Cincinnati Bengals Summary

The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for a crucial Thanksgiving night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, as their playoff hopes hang in the balance. Currently sitting at 3-8, the Bengals face a challenging road ahead, particularly after a recent loss to the New England Patriots, where they fell 26-20 at home.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed significant time due to a turf toe injury, is set to return, defying initial expectations of a longer recovery. Burrow stated he had initially been told he would need twelve weeks before returning to play, but he has pushed through to make his comeback this Thursday.

His enthusiasm to return is palpable, as he emphatically stated, "Heck no" when asked if he considered shutting it down for the season. Meanwhile, the Bengals have made a roster move, re-signing quarterback Sean Clifford to their practice squad, which may serve as a precautionary measure given Burrow's recent injury history.

On the injury front, the Bengals will be without wide receiver Tee Higgins for the Ravens game, adding to their challenges as they attempt to regroup. The Ravens, fresh off a victory over the New York Jets, are currently riding a five-game winning streak and have solidified their position at the top of the AFC North.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has returned to practice after dealing with a toe injury of his own, indicating he will be ready to face the Bengals. The Bengals' defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, noted the importance of stepping up, stating that they are 'counting on everybody in this room' to perform as they look to spoil the Ravens' playoff aspirations.

As the Bengals prepare for this pivotal game, the focus remains on improving their defense and executing a game plan that could potentially turn their season around. The matchup is critical not just for the Bengals' playoff hopes but also for their rivalry with the Ravens, which adds another layer of intensity to this Thanksgiving clash.