Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. The Jaguars led 17-10 at halftime. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Joe Burrow Health Update as Bengals Star Returns to Sideline for Thursday Night Football

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 8:41 PM ET

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will be on the sideline for Thursday night's primetime matchup with the Steelers. It's the first time the 28-year-old will be with the team for a game since undergoing toe surgery last month.

Burrow suffered a grade 3 turf toe injury against the Jaguars in Week 2. The Bengals are 0-4 without him.

Cincinnati plays Pittsburgh on Thursday night. They desperately need a win if they're going to keep their season alive.

Joe Flacco will make his second start for the Bengals. He completed 29-of-45 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in his debut in Week 6. Now he's tasked with a potent Steelers defense that is known for getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

The Bengals have been outscored 79-9 in the first half of their last four games. Starting fast is a major key to Thursday's game.

Burrow's Recovery

When will Burrow return? Well, he's on track to come back this season according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network

"No doubt the biggest and most important question for the Cincinnati Bengals. Here's my understanding of where it stands for Joe Burrow. He's one month into a three-month recovery for grade three turf toe," Rapoport said. "Had surgery. He is on track, doing well, has had no setbacks, which means if this continues in this direction, he should be back on the field mid-December and has told people close to me absolutely intends to be back. Just need the team to stay alive until then."

That means the Bengals need to win on Thursday night. A victory would get them to 3-4 with a matchup against the Jets in Week 8. It would make them 2-0 in the AFC North and give them a real chance of rebounding after four-straight losses.

Check out video on Burrow on the sideline below: