Burrow’s absence is not entirely surprising. The Bengals have a short turnaround after this week with a Thanksgiving game against the rival Ravens. With Burrow already well ahead of schedule in his recovery, having practiced fully twice this week before logging limited time on Friday, it could be a case of protecting him from himself.
However, Cincy is also approaching the point of no return in the season.
After winning the Week 2 game with Burrow injured, the Bengals have since dropped seven of their last eight contests to fall to 3-7, unable to overcome a woeful defense that ranks at the bottom of the league in both yards and points allowed. The AFC North isn’t completely out of reach, but with the Steelers leading the pack at 6-4 and the Ravens sitting at 5-5, the Bengals can’t take many more losses and still realistically pull off a miracle.
It will be up to Flacco to upset New England and keep hope alive without Burrow. Aside from last week’s 34-12 stinker against the Steelers, the 40-year-old has played lights out, throwing for 1,453 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions since coming over in early October.
The level of difficulty he will face in trying to take down the Pats, who have won eight games in a row, will increase even more with the loss of Ja’Marr Chase to a one-game suspension.
Should he overcome that Sunday, it would ensure that the Bengals — and Burrow if he’s healthy enough to return in a few days — have a lot to play for in Week 13 and beyond.