Pats Pulpit
Entering this week, there was a belief that the New England Patriots would be going up against a Cincinnati Bengals offense led by Joe Flacco. The veteran quarterback, who had joined the team in early October via trade from Cincinnati, had started the previous five games with regular QB1 Joe Burrow dealing with a turf toe injury.
However, Wednesday might have ushered in a change of plans. For the first time since getting hurt in Week 2, Burrow was able to participate fully in practice and taking starter reps in 11-on-11 drills. Flacco, meanwhile, was limited with a right shoulder injury.
Needless to say, Burrow’s status is one of the biggest stories heading into the Patriots’ Week 12 matchup with the Bengals. The 28-year-old returning to action would instantly give Cincinnati’s offense a much-needed boost, even with star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sidelined due to suspension.
That being said, Wednesday’s participation levels are not necessarily a sign of things to come as Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. points out:
Flacco is expected to go through the same process this week as he has the previous three since spraining his AC joint against the Jets. He doesn’t throw on Wednesday or Friday, but takes the starter reps on Thursday.
Based on past precedent, Thursday’s practice might provide a more definitive clue at the Bengals’ intentions for the week. If Flacco indeed retains his position as the first player up over the convalescent Burrow, all signs will point toward him staying in the lineup and the regular starter’s return to game action having to wait.
That does not mean Cincinnati giving Burrow a full workload and 11-on-11 reps has no value either, as Dehner Jr. added:
Wednesday marked the first chance for Burrow to be all the way back in the huddle in 11-on-11, but there’s a balance in trying to get him reps while also understanding the possibility of Flacco being the starter Sunday and needing his work. In that way, the rest for Flacco’s shoulder on Wednesday provided a nice opportunity for the staff to catch a longer look at Burrow’s health.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, meanwhile, did not necessarily close the door on Burrow returning this week. Instead, he mentioned getting “through some practices” before being in a position to further discuss his outlook — be it this week against New England or at a later point in the season.
Regardless if his name is Joe Burrow or Joe Flacco, the Patriots know that Cincinnati’s quarterback is capable of putting pressure on their defense. Mike Vrabel’s description of the latter, after all, very much also applies to the former.
“Efficient, on time. You’re not going to trick him,” Vrabel said about Flacco on Wednesday. “You’re going to have to cover him, beat him, rush him. The ball comes out quick. Doesn’t seem to get rattled very easily. It’s not something that’s going to happen. Arm strength and accuracy have been great. He kind of knows...
