As Week 3 action over the weekend got underway, several reports about the surgery for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his recovery timeline went live.

With Burrow’s successful surgery occurring last Friday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the star quarterback won’t be able to travel with the team for two weeks.

Rapoport added this important detail: “Burrow could potentially return in December if the Bengals’ record warrants it, and if his rehab goes perfectly.”

Perfectly is the key word there and this isn’t the only report from Sunday.

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports (h/t The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov) reported that the three-month timeline is “very optimistic” and “if he really pushes it.”

All the above translated: Burrow was always a long shot to return in mid-December. The playoffs were more likely, and only if the player and team want to risk him.

And based on the 48-10 loss to Minnesota on Sunday, good for the worst loss in franchise history? Burrow might not need to push anything if the team keeps putting on performances like that.