The Cincinnati Bengals obtained encouraging information Monday when quarterback Joe Burrow returned to apply for the primary time since mid-September. Burrow had been sidelined since sustaining a Grade 3 turf toe harm in the course of the first half of Cincinnati’s 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14.
He underwent surgical procedure 5 days later and was positioned on injured reserve, lacking seven consecutive video games. Throughout his absence, the Bengals managed only one win towards six losses.
His potential return has generated dialogue about whether or not Cincinnati ought to activate him instantly. Franchise legend Chad Johnson expressed warning throughout an look on Inside The NFL, arguing that dashing Burrow again would serve little objective given the group’s present scenario.
“It actually doesn’t matter, as a result of I believe our file will nonetheless be the identical and our probabilities of making the playoffs would nonetheless be slim, as a result of we are able to’t cease no da*n physique… So we get Joe again, we get excited, we put him on the market once more, and he’s coming contemporary off a surgical procedure. No, no, we don’t want that. We don’t want that except we’re sure we’ve a possibility to make the playoffs. Joe! Loosen up,” Johnson mentioned.
“We do not want that except we’re sure we’ve a possibility to make the playoffs.”@OchoCinco is not satisfied it is price bringing Joe Burrow again from harm this 12 months. pic.twitter.com/2HQozWGHR6
— Contained in the NFL (@insidetheNFL) November 13, 2025
Johnson believes the Bengals ought to prioritize Burrow’s long-term well being over short-term positive factors. He pointed to Cincinnati’s defensive struggles as the first impediment stopping any significant playoff push, no matter who performs quarterback.
Johnson famous that Joe Flacco has dealt with the offense adequately in Burrow’s absence, making an early return pointless. The previous receiver questioned the logic of bringing Burrow again to play in high-scoring video games that the protection can’t shut out.
He emphasised that Cincinnati’s points stem from poor tackling, lack of effort, and an incapability to restrict massive performs by means of the air. Till these issues are addressed, Johnson argued, inserting Burrow adjustments nothing in regards to the group’s trajectory.
The Bengals face a December 1 deadline to activate Burrow to the energetic roster. They will make that transfer at any level earlier than the deadline, but when he stays on injured reserve previous that date, he can be ineligible for the rest of the season.
The submit Chad Johnson Cautions Bengals About Bringing Again Joe Burrow appeared first on The Chilly Wire.
