Joe Burrow is back on the field practicing as NFL insiders like Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer react to the rapid recovery timeline he’s showing from turf toe surgery.
Breer discussed what could happen for the Bengals in the next couple of weeks on Tuesday.
“So this week, he’ll be out on the practice field. The Bengals want to start getting him real reps, going through his progressions, and ripping the ball,” Breer noted about the practice plan. “I’d expect those would come in 7-on-7 situations, some of which could be generated by Cincinnati managing Joe Flacco’s shoulder injury. For now, everything will be controlled to move him beyond the point where he’s just throwing to trainers and equipment guys. From there, this will be a feel thing. How Burrow is feeling is one piece of it. Where the Bengals are in the standings will be another factor. This week’s game against the Steelers isn’t happening—coach Zac Taylor already established that—and the Patriots/Ravens short-week turn might be pushing it, too. But if the Bengals can scratch through that stretch and remain in the hunt, Week 14 against Buffalo could be realistic.
“Now, Burrow is super competitive, and we’re way ahead of where we thought we’d be, so is there a chance to push the envelope? Maybe. But the Bengals will be careful. He’s one of four top guys at his position in the sport (along with Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, in some order), and there’s a specific responsibility that comes with having someone in that rare air that I know the organization won’t take lightly.”
The big question is whether Burrow will still play this season, regardless of whether Cincinnati can bag a couple of wins in the next few weeks.
We will start to get more clarity on all this in the coming days, especially with the result of Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh. A win would move Cincinnati to 3-0 in the AFC North and just couple of games back in the division.
Winning the North is likely the only path to the playoffs at 3-6 with an 8.4% chance to make the field (7% for the division) on ESPN’s Football Power Index.
“Buffalo’s offense is sputtering, and some fans are wondering if Brian Daboll could be the cure for what ails them.”
The Buffalo Bills (6-3) have been struggling offensively, with their most recent lackluster performance coming in a 30-13 defeat to the Miami Dolphins. Despite facing one of the league’s worst defenses, Buffalo’s receivers failed to create any separation, and the offense was unable to get anything going through the first three quarters. It’s clear that the Bills’ offensive issues are becoming a growing concern.
However, today’s Buffalo Rumblings report quashed any hopes for those Bills fans calling for a change at offensive coordinator. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Joe Brady would remain the team’s offensive coordinator through the end of the 2025 NFL season. Despite speculation that former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll could be brought back to help turn things around, McDermott swiftly dismissed the idea.
McDermott Shoots Down Daboll Return
When Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants, rumors swirled about the possibility of a reunion with quarterback Josh Allen in Buffalo. McDermott wasted no time in shutting down those rumors, stating that he has confidence in Joe Brady and has no intention of bringing Daboll back to Buffalo.
“At this time, that is not something we are considering,” McDermott said when asked about the possibility of Daboll returning to Western New York.
The question remains: could Daboll have been the solution to Buffalo’s offensive struggles, or is the real issue something deeper? The Bills started the season strong but have since been cold, particularly in their loss to the Dolphins.
Dalton Kincaid’s Injury Puts More Pressure on Offense
Adding to Buffalo’s woes, tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has been one of Josh Allen’s most reliable targets this season, has been officially labeled “week-to-week” after suffering a hamstring injury in the Dolphins’ loss. Kincaid had been a standout, recording 29 catches for 448 yards and four touchdowns—leading the team in both receiving yards and touchdowns this year. His absence could further strain the already struggling offense.
As the Bills continue to deal with a variety of injuries, including to key players like Kincaid, the offense will need to find a way to regain its early-season form. While McDermott has expressed confidence in his current coaching staff, fans are left to wonder if a change in offensive philosophy or leadership might be what’s needed to reignite Buffalo’s high-powered attack.
More Updates on Bills’ Injuries and Roster Moves
As the Bills face a series of injuries, including to key offensive players, the team is also adding new faces to the practice squad. Stay tuned for updates as Buffalo looks to address its depth and find solutions to its current offensive struggles.