Bengals QB Joe Burrow returns to practice. When will he play?

There’s light at the end of the tunnel for the Cincinnati Bengals.

The (3-6) Bengals have cleared quarterback Joe Burrow for a limited return to practice, the team announced Monday. Burrow is set to begin progressing in on-field activities. Burrow’s practice participation will officially start a 21-day window in which he may begin limited practice with the Bengals without counting against the 53-man roster. He’s eligible to be activated to the roster during the 21-day period.

Cincinnati projected Burrow to be back around mid-December. Burrow’s return to the practice field confirms the team’s belief.

Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2 that required surgery. He’s been on injured reserve since Sept. 16.

The Bengals are 1-6 since Burrow went down in Week 2.

Jake Browning went 0-3 as a starter. The team acquired veteran Joe Flacco in October to help salvage the season. Flacco has kept Cincinnati’s offense afloat, but the team is 1-3 with the 40-year-old behind center, particularly because of a defensive unit that ranks last in the NFL in yards per game and points allowed.

Burrow’s possible return won’t help Cincinnati’s poor defense, but it should give the entire roster confidence.

“He’s one of the best players in the world. Anytime that player comes back. Players have seen how hard he’s been working behind the scenes with the trainers, strength coaches and all that kind of stuff. I think it’s exciting when you see a guy who’s put so much into coming back seemingly on the frontend of a difficult injury,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor told reporters. “He’s done everything he can to get himself back on the field. Now this is the next stage in his progression.”

The Bengals are coming off a Week 10 bye. They travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers in Week 11.

Cincinnati is currently third in the AFC North. They are two games behind the Steelers (5-4) and are a game behind the Baltimore Ravens (4-5) in what’s looking like a wide open race for the division title.

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.