CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow resumed practice in a limited role Monday, beginning the Bengals’ 21-day window to return from injured reserve as he works back from turf-toe surgery on his left foot. While he would not pin down a specific game to return, Burrow said he is using the Bengals’ Thanksgiving Day matchup at Baltimore on Nov. 27 as a benchmark in his recovery.
Burrow made clear several factors will influence the timetable, including how his body responds to increasing movement and the team’s needs. Cincinnati (3-6) has lost five of six since Burrow injured the toe in Week 2 against Jacksonville, and the club’s standing could play into the decision about when — or if — he comes back.
The quarterback reported that the surgical repair and his general physical condition feel solid, but he is still rebuilding the movement elements that will determine game readiness: running, cutting and making sudden stops.
Coach Zac Taylor said the club had anticipated this stage of the comeback. Monday’s work was cautious and planned: Burrow did not participate in 11-on-11 team drills and started with throws to receivers running routes without defenders, a normal early step in returning players t
