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The Cincinnati Bengals did not have a great start to their Thanksgiving Day.
The team’s flight Wednesday night from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport was scheduled for 1 p.m. 5 p.m. ET, but they weren’t able to get on the air for their trip to Baltimore until 5 p.m. 10:32 p.m. ET, according to FlightAware.
As a result, the Bengals, who play their AFC North rival Ravens on Thanksgiving night, didn’t get to their hotel until after midnight.
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Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium on Oct. 16, 2025, in Cincinnati. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The team was supposed to land in Baltimore at 6:19 PM ET, but technically they landed on Thanksgiving and arrived at Baltimore/Washington International Airport at 12.03.
WLWT in Cincinnati also reported that the Bengals had to switch planes, though there was no word on why they were forced to switch.
JOE BURROW BRUSHES OFF INJURIES, RETURNING TO 3-8 BENGALS BEFORE THANKSGIVING SHOWDOWN WITH RAVENS
It was not an ideal situation for the Bengals; however, it could have been worse if the flight had been delayed later. If the game was played earlier in the day, it would definitely have been more of an issue.
The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions had the first game on Thanksgiving Day, while the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Kansas City Chiefs for the 4:25 PM ET kickoff.
While the Bengals are 3-8, this is a massive game for the franchise as they welcome back starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who is recovering from toe surgery following an injury in Week 2 of this season.
Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Burrow didn’t play last Sunday despite being a full practice participant, but head coach Zac Taylor made the call with the short week ahead and Thursday night’s game in mind.
Cincinnati has lost its last four games. However, Burrow has not lost a game since December 2024, going 7-0 in his last seven starts.
Burrow also had misgivings about playing the Ravens for the fourth straight year in prime time on the road.
“Maybe we can get one of those in Cincinnati next year, please,” Burrow said back in May.
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Meanwhile, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are winners of their last five games after a shocking 1-5 start to the season. They share the AFC North lead with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making this another crucial game for the franchise’s playoff hopes.
