The Cincinnati Bengals faced a significant setback on Thanksgiving night as their team flight was delayed by more than five hours, arriving in Baltimore after midnight, which affected their schedule for their crucial AFC North matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The Bengals were scheduled to depart from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport at 5 p.m. ET but only managed to take off at 10:32 p.m. ET, according to FlightAware. As a result, the team did not reach their hotel until after midnight, complicating preparations for their Thanksgiving night game against the Ravens.
The flight was originally planned to land in Baltimore at 6:19 p.m. ET, but they technically landed on Thanksgiving, arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Airport at 1:03 a.m. The team also had to switch planes, though the reason for the change was not disclosed. This delay, while inconvenient, was not as severe as it could have been, and the Bengals are still looking forward to the matchup with the Ravens after returning their starting quarterback Joe Burrow.
Burrow, who has been recovering from toe surgery after an injury in Week 2 this season, didn’t play this past Sunday despite being a full practice participant. Head coach Zac Taylor made the call with the short week ahead and the Thursday night matchup in mind. Cincinnati has lost its last four games, but Burrow hasn’t lost a game since December 2024, going 7-0 in his last seven starts. The Bengals are also looking forward to facing the Ravens for the fourth straight year in prime time, although Burrow expressed a desire to have the game in Cincinnati in future years.
Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are winners of their last five games after starting the season 1-5 in shocking fashion. They currently share the AFC North lead with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making this another crucial game for the franchise’s playoff hopes. The game against the Bengals is a vital match for the Ravens as they look to maintain their position in the standings and keep their playoff hopes alive.