"I don't give a damn": Kevin Durant gets honest about Bengals' success after celebrating Joe Burrow's return

Kevin Durant isn’t tracking playoff math or AFC standings when it comes to Joe Burrow’s comeback. For the Houston Rockets star, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback’s return means more than that.

Burrow has been working back from a turf toe injury suffered early in the year.

Durant joined "Up & Adams" on Thursday, where host Kay Adams asked whether he believed Cincinnati could pull off a dramatic late-season surge. Durant fisted his arms up in celebration and then responded.

"I'm just happy Joe Burrow back," Durant said. "I don't give a damn. I just wanna see him behind, the center and, and throwing a touchdown to Ja'Marr Chase. I just wanna see him out there, man. If they win, they win," Durant said.

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Kevin Durant is PUMPED that his friend Joe Burrow is back at practice 😤 @Bengals | @JoeyB | @KDTrey5 | @heykayadams

Adams mentioned that Burrow has been practicing without restrictions this week and could potentially return sooner than initially projected. Reports around the league have indicated a possible activation as early as Sunday.

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Kevin Durant stood by Joe Burrow during an injury setback

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Kevin Durant’s stance echoes sentiments he expressed earlier this season when news first broke that Joe Burrow would be sidelined.

"I don't care at all about any rivalries or any divisional opponent, like, if I build a friendship with somebody that exceeds all of that stuff. So I want Joe Burrow to win every game, because that's my brother," Durant said back in October on the "Up & Adams" show.

“I’m wishing for a well checkup in a couple of weeks, but knowing his mentality and how hard he works and how much he cares, he’s going to bounce back.”

Burrow’s progression has accelerated, including increased involvement in practice and taking a significant portion of first-team work.

The Bengals, struggling to stay afloat during Burrow’s absence, now face a pivotal stretch as they prepare for matchups that could reshape their direction. A meeting with New England awaits this weekend ahead of a high-profile Thanksgiving clash with Baltimore.

Even if Burrow plays, Cincinnati faces obstacles. Ja’Marr Chase is unavailable this week due to suspension. The Bengals’ passing attack will rely more heavily on their remaining receivers as Burrow works back into rhythm after missing significant time.