Dan Orlovsky drops a bold take about Joe Burrow and the Bengals following injury report surprise
Orlovsky is confident Burrow will return very soon.
The Cincinnati Bengals turned heads by listing Joe Burrow as a full participant for Wednesday’s practice. Burrow began practicing again for the first time last Monday, and with two more practices until Cincinnati’s Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots, there is now newfound hope the 28-year old can make his first start since suffering Grade 3 turf toe in Week 2.
ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky is taking it one step further. Orlovsky proclaimed Burrow practicing in full Wednesday means he’s certain the Bengals’ franchise QB will suit up for Sunday.
“He’s going to start,” Orlovsky said of Burrow. “There’s no way that he’s practicing fully [Wednesday] if he’s not going to start on Sunday.”
Joe Burrow playing against Patriots feels very possible
Burrow’s potential comeback for the 2025 season has been all over the place since he underwent surgery on Sept. 19. He suffered what is considered to be the severe version of turf toe, which normally entails a three-month recovery at minimum. Mid-to-late December seemed like the optimistic timeline.
Burrow was then cleared to practice 52 days after his operation. He was a limited participant in practice all of last week, and Cincinnati’s upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13 or the Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills were the likely comeback dates.
The Bengals are 3-7 and another loss before those contests would further diminish their already minuscule playoff hopes. Joe Flacco is still dealing with his injured shoulder. Combine both with Burrow’s ability to practice fully, and you have an intriguing conversation.
“They’re in desperate times,” Orlovsky said of the Bengals. “They have to basically win out to get in, and even need some help. If Joe wants to play, and he feels like he’s going to be able to play, and the medical staff says he’s capable, he’s gonna go play, I would fully expect him to be the starter.”
It may be as simple as that. If Burrow can play, and is considered Cincinnati’s best option at QB, he should play. Orlovsky expects it, and if he practices fully again Thursday, many more will likely join him in that belief.