It has not been an easy season for the Bengals. From an offseason defensive coordinator change that has not fixed issues to injuries to their best offensive and defensive players, it has all been frustrating.
Yet this week, for the first time in a while, there was optimism.
Franchise quarterback Joe Burrow returned to practice, having his 21-day practice window opened, with eyes on a return for either Cincinnati's Thanksgiving night game against the Baltimore Ravens or more likely the Bengals' Dec. 7 game against the Buffalo Bills.
Based on the way Burrow has explained it to those who know him well, his plan is to return to the field regardless of the team's record, which is 3-6 entering Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Could the organization step in and stop it if the Bengals continue to lose? Perhaps. But Burrow is pushing to play.
And to no one's surprise, he was excellent this week in practice.
"I'm not going to say I'm impressed because that's how it always looks," coach Zac Taylor said on Wednesday, "but he was really sharp."
Veteran Joe Flacco will start once again Sunday against the Steelers, as he's improving from the right-shoulder AC joint sprain he suffered a few weeks ago. But because Flacco is not taking his full complement of reps, there is plenty of opportunity for Burrow in practice.
This week, Burrow took pass skeleton reps and some 7-on-7, as well. In the words of one person who watched him, Burrow completed passes like he usually does. Burrow has not yet been cleared for full practice participation and much of his return will hinge on receiving medical clearance.
Burrow had the players excited, especially since not everyone knew he was going to return this week. He has been around the team, taking part in meetings, but rehab often happens away from teammates. So when he walked onto the practice field, there was a buzz.
That should continue, as Burrow's rehab hits the on-field stage. Whenever he returns to game-action, the likelihood is he'll do so with a metal plate in his shoe and without full mobility, sources say. Burrow and the team will likely have to adjust their standard playbook, but that would be worth it to have Burrow back.
As for star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, the veteran will miss Sunday's game, his third missed contest of the season.
Hendrickson, listed with a hip injury, is specifically dealing with what used to be called a sports hernia but is now described as a core muscle injury, sources say.
Hendrickson battling to play against the Jets on Oct. 26 might have extended the injury, though the pass rusher will always get on the field if he possibly can.
While placing Hendrickson on injured reserve, which would sideline him a minimum four games, has been a consideration, the current hope from all parties is to rehab and get back on the field as soon as possible and safe.
Surgery following the season is possible, through Hendrickson would like to put that off as long as possible to play.
That all leads up to hope for Cincy, which could get Burrow and Hendrickson back in the coming weeks.
