The Cincinnati Bengals are slated to play the third Thanksgiving Day game of NFL 2025, as they face off against the Baltimore Ravens in Maryland. The 8:20 ET kickoff holds extreme significance for the visiting side, as quarterback Joe Burrow is set to take the field on Thursday night.
However, Burrow’s return to action comes with significant modifications. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Burrow will take the field against the Baltimore Ravens wearing a carbon fiber plate inserted into his cleat, a protective measure for his injured toe.
“Bengals QB Joe Burrow is back tonight, likely wearing a carbon fiber turf toe plate with his toe secure in his cleat. He beats the 3-month recovery timeline”, Rapoport reported.
From @NFLGameDay Morning: #Bengals QB Joe Burrow is back tonight, likely wearing a carbon fiber turf toe plate with his toe secure in his cleat. He beats the 3-month recovery timeline. pic.twitter.com/1NlTrfFGGz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 27, 2025
The carbon fiber cleats are a result of Burrow’s toe injury that sidelined him in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. When the injury occurred on Sept. 14, he was slated to be off the field for three months, which would have kept the quarterback out at least until mid-December.
Before being sidelined with the injury, Burrow appeared in two games for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, completing 21 of 36 passes with a 58.3% completion rate. He also compiled 189 yards, two touchdowns, and 0 interceptions with a 91.1 passer rating.
Ravens Enter Thanksgiving Matchup With A 32-27 Record Over Bengals
The Thursday night game will mark the first Thanksgiving matchup between the sides since 2013.
The Ravens enter this encounter with an overall record of 6-5 this season while sitting atop the AFC North standings. They also have a better head-to-head record against the Bengals, with a 32-27 record, and have won four of their last five encounters against them.
“It’s not just that Lamar has owned the Bengals 10-1 against them, 6-1 against Burrow. But Burrow is not great coming off rest or the offseason.”@Chris_Broussard thinks defense will be the difference-maker in Bengals-Ravens: pic.twitter.com/hwgs9DBWE9
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) November 26, 2025
The timing of Burrow’s return might perhaps be a little too late for the Bengals, considering they are virtually out of playoff contention. With a dismal 3-8 record so far, the Bengals are third in the AFC North.
Burrow’s injury led the Cincinnati-based franchise to trade in veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns earlier this season.
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