Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow made significant progress in his recovery from a severe turf toe injury on Wednesday, logging a full practice session for the first time since undergoing surgery.

The 2024 Comeback Player of the Year has been sidelined since Week 2 after suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury that required surgical repair.

In his absence, Cincinnati has dropped seven of its last eight contests after opening the 2025 season with back-to-back victories.

Burrow was officially designated to return from injured reserve last week, which started his 21-day window to practice without counting against the active roster. He had been limited in all three practice sessions ahead of the Bengals’ Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but Wednesday’s surprise upgrade to full participation marked his most encouraging day yet.

The Bengals now face a critical decision heading into Sunday’s Week 12 showdown against the 9-2 New England Patriots and rookie sensation Drake Maye, who has emerged as a leading MVP candidate.

With Cincinnati considered a long shot for the playoffs, the organization must balance the urgency to get its franchise quarterback back on the field against the risk of re-injury.

Veteran backup Joe Flacco, meanwhile, appeared on the injury report as limited on Wednesday due to a right shoulder issue.

Burrow’s status will remain a focal point throughout the week as the team monitors how his surgically repaired toe responds to increased workload.

Should the Bengals exercise caution and hold him out against New England, his next possible return would come on Thanksgiving night in a high-stakes AFC North clash against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

For a franchise that has struggled mightily without its star signal-caller, Wednesday’s full practice offered the clearest sign yet that Burrow’s long-awaited return could be just around the corner.