Is Joe Burrow playing tomorrow? Bengals QB's status for Week 18 vs Steelers explored

Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have it all to play for in Week 18 of the regular season. The Bengals are 8-8; a win and other favorable results could send them to the playoffs.

Let's examine Burrow's availability for the must-win matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers:

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Is Joe Burrow playing tomorrow?

Yes, Joe Burrow will play in tomorrow's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pro Bowler might be dealing with a slight knee issue, but the Bengals are managing his reps well ahead of their most important game of the season.

According to the Bengals injury report, Burrow was limited in Tuesday and Wednesday's training sessions. However, he was upgraded to a full participant in the team's session on Thursday, just two games before the Steelers game. Hence, he goes into Week 18 without an injury designation.

While Burrow is set to start in Week 18, the same can't be said about defensive end Sam Hubbard, though. That's because Hubbard is dealing with an ankle issue that has stopped him from participating in practice this week.

Furthermore, six players are listed as questionable. Chase Brown, Tee Higgins, Charlie Jones, Amarius Mims, Drew Sample and Cam Taylor-Britt.

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How has Joe Burrow performed this season?

Joe Burrow has enjoyed arguably the best season of his professional career, and he'd be a legitimate MVP contender if not for his team's iffy regular-season record. Burrow has utilized his offensive weapons in incredible fashion, dropping career highs across most major statistical categories.

Entering Week 18, Burrow has amassed a stat line of 4,641 passing yards, 42 passing touchdowns and a paltry eight interceptions in 16 games. Burrow has also added 41 carries, 202 rushing yards and two rushing TDs for good measure. He leads the NFL in passing yards and passing touchdowns and ranks second in quarterback rating.

However, the Cincinnati Bengals' early regular-season form has left them needing bags of luck in Week 18 to qualify for the playoffs. They need both the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins to lose while they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to make the postseason. However, if they qualify for the playoffs, they will be a nightmare matchup for any team in the wildcard round.