Report: Burrow won't return vs. Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow won't start Sunday against the New England Patriots despite being close to returning from his toe injury, sources told Paul Dehner Jr. and Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
However, Burrow could potentially start Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens after being a full participant in two practices and limited in one this week.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor acknowledged he's still uncertain how Burrow will hold up against contact and concerned about the short turnaround between the next two games.
"Joe has done everything he can to put himself in a position to get back," Taylor said Friday. "I have to take into account what I think is best for him. He's coming back off an injury. He's been out for a long time. I know he's of the right mindset and has done everything physically, and then I have to take into account what's the best thing for him, what's the best thing for our team."
The superstar passer suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 that required surgery. He was originally expected to return in December.
Veteran signal-caller Joe Flacco, who's managing a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, will make his sixth consecutive start since being acquired from the Cleveland Browns to fill in for Burrow.
The Bengals are 1-7 without Burrow this season. Cincinnati sits third in the AFC North at 3-7.