Joe Burrow’s Anticipated Return Sparks Rivalry Ahead of Ravens Showdown
The Baltimore Ravens are poised to play a pivotal role in the potential return of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, setting the stage for a fierce divisional rivalry.
Burrow’s Injury Update
Just two months ago, the Bengals faced the daunting news of Burrow being sidelined due to turf toe, a diagnosis that initially cast doubt on his return for the remainder of the season. The announcement came early in the campaign, leaving many to speculate how this would impact the AFC North landscape. With Burrow’s absence, the Ravens saw an opportunity to capitalize on a division that appeared more vulnerable than in previous years.
However, the Ravens themselves struggled to find their rhythm early in the season, experiencing a four-game losing streak that left them scrambling to regain their competitive edge. As they approach Week 12 with a .500 record, the landscape of the division remains wide open, making every game critical.
A Potential Return on Thanksgiving
Recent reports, however, suggest that Burrow’s return might come sooner than anticipated. Rather than missing nearly the entire regular season, he could be back in action as early as the Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Ravens. According to ESPN, the Bengals are ramping up Burrow’s participation in practice, giving him more work this week compared to the previous one.
Burrow himself is targeting the Thanksgiving game, which will take place next Thursday. The success of this plan hinges on how his toe responds to the increased workload. So far, the outlook appears positive. Should Burrow not make it back for Thanksgiving, the Bengals have additional time within his 21-day practice window to activate him for the following week’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
The Impact on the AFC North
The prospect of Burrow’s return injects excitement into an already heated rivalry between the Bengals and the Ravens. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Burrow’s presence could shift the dynamics of the AFC North. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As Thanksgiving approaches, all eyes will be on Burrow and the Bengals as they prepare for what could be a defining moment in their season. The Ravens, too, will be looking to assert their dominance in a division that promises to deliver thrilling matchups down the stretch.
