Overview
- Burrow stayed on injured reserve after three full practices, with Zac Taylor citing protection and the short Sunday‑to‑Thursday turnaround.
- Joe Flacco makes his sixth straight start against a 9-2 New England team on an eight-game win streak and favored by roughly a touchdown.
- Ja'Marr Chase serves a one-game suspension for an on‑field spitting incident, with independent reviewer Jordy Nelson upholding the ban and reported forfeitures of $448,333 in salary plus a $58,823 bonus.
- Cincinnati activated TE Mike Gesicki, signed DE Isaiah Foskey from the practice squad, and placed CB Cam Taylor‑Britt on IR, and All‑Pro DE Trey Hendrickson was ruled out.
- New England elevated Jeremiah Pharms after Milton Williams’ injury, as the 3-7 Bengals try to stay afloat before a possible Thanksgiving return for Burrow within his 21‑day practice window.