"They're in desperate times": Ex-Lions QB makes bold claim about Joe Burrow's status ahead of Bengals vs. Patriots clash

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury with completely torn ligaments in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The injury sidelined him for three months following surgery on Sept. 20.

The Bengals activated his 21-day return window on Nov. 10. Burrow participated fully on Wednesday ahead of the Week 12 game versus the New England Patriots.

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky believes Burrow might start on Sunday. He shared his take on the Bengals quarterback situation on Wednesday.

"He's a competitor, so yes, he's going to start, and there's no way that he's practicing fully today if he's not going to start on Sunday," Orlovsky said, via ESPN's "NFL Live." "I'm always of the vein, if the medical staff says he's good to go, can't get worse, and the player says, I feel good. He's a competitor. He's going to go play.

"They're in desperate times. They have to basically win out to get in and even need some help if Joe wants to play, and he feels like he's going to be able to play, and the medical staff says he's capable, he's going to go play. I would fully expect him to be the starter."

Burrow got injured when Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead sacked him by his right ankle. The quarterback awkwardly planted his left foot while trying to escape pressure. The impact forced Burrow's front cleat to get caught in the turf as he fell, causing the ligament damage.

Cincinnati (3-7) has lost seven of its last eight games. The Bengals' playoff chances are hanging by a thread, and they're hoping Burrow can lead them to the postseason.

Joe Burrow's injury-plagued NFL career

Joe Burrow has dealt with multiple injuries since entering the NFL as the top pick in 2020. He missed most of the 2023 season because of a wrist injury, and his rookie year was cut short after tearing his ACL in 2020.

Burrow underwent emergency appendectomy surgery that sidelined during the start of the 2022 campaign. A calf strain affected the early part of his 2023 season.

Joe Flacco took over Bengals offense in Burrow's absence. He led the team to a win in his second game with Cincinnati, but has failed to follow up on it since. The Bengals' last win was on Oct. 16, and they have to win their remaining matchups to make the playoffs.