Over the last few weeks, it looked like the Patriots’ matchup against the Bengals on Sunday provided New England another opportunity to continue its winning ways.

However, Cincinnati threw a curveball at New England on Wednesday. Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow was a full participant at practice that day and on Thursday, putting him on track to make a return from his toe injury at least one week earlier than expected.

But Burrow’s possible sudden return hasn’t thrown a wrench into the Patriots’ defensive game plan for Sunday’s game. Patriots acting defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr told reporters that the team is “preparing for both” Burrow and Joe Flacco on Sunday.

“Flacco is a great quarterback, that’s why he’s been doing it for so long. And then Burrow, a great quarterback,” Kuhr

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