Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) rolls out during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Sept. 7, 2025.

The Cincinnati Bengals have been without Joe Burrow since he suffered a significant toe injury in the team's Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Burrow reached an important milestone in his quest to return from that injury and help keep the Bengals' slim playoff hopes alive.

Burrow was listed as a full participant in practice on the Bengals' injury report Wednesday. It marked the first time he had earned such a designation since the lead-up to Week 2, when he was considered to be fully healthy.

Does that mean Burrow will be able to return to action in Week 12? Here's what to know about the star quarterback's status and when NFL fans can expect him back on the field.

Is Joe Burrow playing Week 12 vs. Patriots?

The Bengals have not yet indicated whether Burrow will play in Week 12. Zac Taylor noted he wanted to see more from the 28-year-old quarterback in practice before making any determination about his status.

"Until we get through some practices, there's no reason for me to even speculate on that," Taylor told reporters in a Wednesday interview, referencing Burrow's availability.

That said, Taylor also revealed that Burrow was set to participate in 11-on-11 drills during Wednesday's session, marking the first time he had done so since suffering his injury. Burrow was later listed as a full participant in practice.

Burrow was initially designated to return from IR on Monday, Nov. 10. He logged three "limited" practices ahead of Week 11, so his "full" designation to open Week 12's practice schedule was a notable upgrade.

It's also worth noting the Bengals are set to play two games in five days, including Thanksgiving night against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 13.

Burrow has expressed it would be "very" meaningful for him to return for the holiday contest, though he wouldn't guarantee he would be ready to return.

The Bengals have until Dec. 1 to activate Burrow from IR after opening his 21-day practice window on Nov. 10. If Cincinnati does not activate him before that contest, he will miss the remainder of the 2025 NFL season.

Bengals QB depth chart

If Burrow can't play Sunday, the Bengals will continue to rely on Joe Flacco as the team's interim starter. Below is a look at the team's quarterback depth chart:

  1. Joe Burrow (injured)
  2. Joe Flacco
  3. Jake Browning
  4. Sean Clifford

Flacco has posted a 1-4 record in five starts with the Bengals since being acquired via trade from the Cleveland Browns. He has completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,453 yards, 12 touchdowns and three interceptions across those contests.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Joe Burrow playing Week 12? Updates as Bengals QB returns to practice

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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