Overview
- Burrow said his left cleat contains a carbon fiber plate and custom orthotic that prevent the toe from bending backward, describing the setup as effective but uncomfortable.
- He manages discomfort by taking the cleat off between drives and during practice, switching to a sneaker on the sideline, and going barefoot at home.
- The quarterback beat his initial timetable by returning to practice on Nov. 10 and starting on Nov. 27, when he threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-14 win at Baltimore.
- Cincinnati is 4-8 with five games remaining, its playoff chances improved by Burrow’s return but with little margin for error as the team visits Buffalo next.
- Burrow expects to wear the reinforced cleat for the rest of the season and likely beyond, and he reported no setbacks since his Thanksgiving comeback.