Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will remain on injured reserve and will not start Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday. The decision means veteran Joe Flacco will make his sixth consecutive start for Cincinnati.
burrow, a two-time Pro Bowler, had been listed as questionable after making progress in his recovery from a turf toe injury sustained in Week 2. He participated fully in Wednesday and Thursday practices before being limited Friday. While Burrow reportedly experienced no setbacks during the week,Bengals coach Zac Taylor ultimately decided to hold him out.
“You play a game Sunday, you play a game Thursday,” Taylor told reporters Friday, referencing the team’s fast turnaround for a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.”Got to factor in all that stuff. He’s tried to put himself in a position to be ready to go.”
Taylor emphasized the importance of prioritizing Burrow’s long-term health, noting his aggressive approach to returning from previous injuries, including a calf injury earlier this season. “I have to take into account what’s best for him,” taylor said. “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 he can physically. And then I have to take into account what’s the best thing for him, what’s the best thing for the team and make the soundest decision.”
Since Burrow’s injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals have lost seven of eight games. Cincinnati currently holds a 3-7 record and is seeking to break a three-game losing streak against New England (9-2).
