The two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year gave Higgins a sideways glance.
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“I don’t know what that look means, but I guess it’s OK,” Higgins told reporters Thursday, Burrow’s second straight day of full practice ahead of a Week 12 home game against an AFC title contender.
When the Bengals opened Burrow’s 21-day practice window on Nov. 10, he said returning for Cincinnati’s Thanksgiving game against the division rival Baltimore Ravens would be “very” meaningful.
But he may return to the field before then. Higgins believes Burrow is back to 100% following the toe injury he suffered in the second game of the season.
“He’s practicing like Week 1,” Higgins said.
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Burrow was the first quarterback to throw during position drills in the portion of Thursday’s practice open to the media, according to ESPN’s Ben Baby, who also reported that Burrow took snaps from starting center Ted Karras in a quarterback-center handoff drill.
Joe Flacco, whom Cincinnati traded last month after Jake Browning’s struggles in Burrow’s absence, has started the last five games. While the Bengals have won just one game in that span, Flacco has often done his part, throwing for 1,453 yards, 12 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions along the way.
Flacco practiced Thursday, however, he was limited by a right shoulder injury.
Burrow, who had toe surgery on Sept. 19, is still on injured reserve and would have to be moved to the active roster if he wants to start Sunday’s game against the Patriots.
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“I’m not there yet,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said earlier Thursday when asked about Burrow’s play on WLW radio. “One day of practice won’t lead to that decision yet.”
How about two? Or three?
Taylor will meet with reporters Friday after the Bengals’ third and final practice of the week. Your season is at stake. Cincinnati has lost three straight games and will be without suspended receiver Ja’Marr Chase against the Patriots.
At 3-7, the Bengals are falling behind in a manageable AFC North led by the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4). The Ravens are in the mix at 5-5.
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Higgins said Burrow has looked excellent in practice this week.
“He needs to take as much time as he needs, but, I mean, he looks good,” Higgins said. “If he’s ready, then I’m ready. Take all the time you need to get back to 100%, which I think is now.”