Short answer: Joe Burrow’s return timeline is uncertain but targeted for late November or December 2025, with the earliest realistic possibility around Thanksgiving Week ( Week 13 ), depending on his progress in the 21-day practice window. Details

• Current status: Burrow began a 21-day practice window after being placed on injured reserve following surgery, which began November 10, 2025. This window lasts through December 1, 2025, during which the Bengals will decide whether to activate him [news updates from November 2025].
• Latest indications: Reports over the first half of November suggested Burrow hoped to play again this season, with Thanksgiving (Nov 27, 2025) earmarked as a potential return game if he can ramp up effectively in practice and stay healthy within the window. If he remains limited or progresses slower, a Week 14–15 return could also be considered depending on team needs and health status [CBS Sports, USA Today, ESPN/NFL coverage].
• Injury context: The team is managing a turf toe/wrist-related recovery process that requires careful ramp-up to avoid re-injury; turf toe injuries can flare with rapid returns, so the 21-day window is used to gauge readiness before activating him [multiple 2025 injury updates].

What to watch for

• Practice progress: Each day of practice within the 21-day window will inform the decision to activate him. Look for full participation or limited contact as signs of increasing readiness.
• Week-by-week team updates: Official Bengals announcements or reputable outlets will confirm activation status and any schedule changes.

If you’d like, I can monitor the latest updates and summarize official team notes and credible reports as they emerge, or pull the most current probable return date from reputable sources.