In Week 12, the 3-7 Cincinnati Bengals will try to keep their playoff hopes alive against the 9-2 New England Patriots.
One of the most significant developments this week is that quarterback Joe Burrow has been a full participant in practice for two consecutive days. Despite still being on the injured reserve, receiver Tee Higgins asked Burrow straight to his face if he’s playing this week.
Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins Share a Look
The early expectation was that Burrow would return in December or January after surgery for turf toe. This was a big surprise when Burrow was listed as a full participant on the team’s Wednesday practice injury report.
Despite being a full participant, Burrow is still on the injured reserve and can’t play until he’s taken off of it. Instead of waiting to find out like the rest of us, wide receiver Higgins asked Burrow about his status for the week.
Sports anchor Jeremy Rauch reported, “Tee Higgins said Joe Burrow is practicing like a guy who can play. Like week one. Tee asked Joe directly: ‘You playing?’ He said Joe gave him a look. Didn’t know what the look meant, but he felt like it was a good look.”
Tee Higgins said Joe Burrow is practicing like a guy who can play. Like week one.
Tee asked Joe directly: “You playing?” He said Joe gave him a look. Didn’t know what the look meant but he felt like it was a good look. #Bengals @FOX19
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) November 20, 2025
When healthy, Burrow is one of the best in the league. Getting him back in the season would be a massive boost to the offense; however, is it worth it for him to potentially rush back from the injury, given their record?
This season, the Bengals’ offense ranks 21st in the league according to PFSN’s Offensive Impact metrics. Additionally, their defense ranks 32nd in the league, with the worst performance in PFSN’s Defensive Impact metrics.
Despite trading for Joe Flacco, the team has been bad on both sides of the ball, unable to tread water while waiting for Burrow to return. In five games with Flacco under center, the team has gone 1-4.
A definitive decision on Burrow’s game status is expected within the next day or two.
Averaging 33 points a game with Flacco.