Bengals QB Burrow questionable against Patriots; Flacco ready to start if needed

The status of Joe Burrow remains uncertain as the Bengals prepare for their upcoming game against the New England Patriots, potentially impacting their struggling season.

Why it matters: The decision to play Burrow could significantly influence not only the team’s performance but also its playoff aspirations in a competitive AFC landscape.

• Currently sitting at 3-7, the Bengals are on a three-game losing streak and need every advantage to turn their fortunes around.
• Burrow's leadership and ability to execute head coach Zac Taylor's offensive system are critical for any chance of a comeback.

What’s new: Burrow is officially listed as questionable for the matchup, indicating that his participation hinges on final assessments before the game.

• After being sidelined since Week 2 due to a turf toe injury, he has shown mixed readiness throughout practice this week.
• While he fully participated on Wednesday and Thursday, he was limited on Friday and took fewer reps than backup quarterback Joe Flacco.

Yes, but: Even if Burrow does return, there are challenges ahead.

• The Bengals face the Ravens just five days after competing against the Patriots, creating potential risks of aggravating any lingering injuries.
• Coach Taylor acknowledged the complexity of making a sound decision based on available information: “You trust your gut. Sometimes there's not a crystal-clear, clean decision.”

What to watch: Keep an eye on Burrow’s activation status leading up to Saturday's 4 p.m. deadline.

• If activated, Burrow will need to demonstrate that he can withstand game conditions effectively, especially when facing a formidable opponent like the Patriots, who hold a 9-2 record this season.
• Flacco, despite having a sprained throwing shoulder, stands ready to step in if Burrow cannot go.

Between the lines: The Bengals approach illustrates a delicate balancing act between immediate results and long-term health considerations.

• Burrow himself expressed confidence in his condition, stating, “I feel really good about the repair,” while differentiating between muscle and ligament injuries based on his past experiences.
• This insight reflects a player's understanding of the physical demands of the position and the potential risks involved in returning too soon.

The bottom line: As the Bengals weigh their options with Burrow, the outcome of the Patriots game could set the tone for the remainder of their season.

• A healthy Burrow would provide the spark the Bengals desperately seek, but rushing him back could jeopardize both his future and the team's prospects.
• The next few days will be crucial in determining whether the franchise quarterback can take the field or if the Bengals must lean on their backup in a pivotal matchup.