Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow continues to charge ahead with his injury comeback, targeting a return over the next few weeks, or apparently even this week, if all goes well.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, too, has made it clear that Burrow pretty much intends to return no matter how bad the team’s record looks.

There are many different factors at play, of course. But one interesting nightmare scenario? ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler just explored it when wondering if the hot seat for Taylor and Co. pushes things to a Burrow return:

“With Cincinnati in danger of a third consecutive season without a playoff berth, coach Zac Taylor would welcome Burrow’s return. After all, the Bengals’ organization could be taking a hard look at the operation in the offseason as a hopeful season turns sour. With owner Mike Brown turning 90 in August, expect executive vice president Katie Blackburn to play a pivotal role in the direction of the franchise.”

Granted, other insiders asked in the piece wonder if Burrow alone will push for time. Some even wonder if the organization will step in, provided the Bengals are mathematically eliminated from the postseason.

But there’s a tough conversation to be had here. If a coaching staff possibly on its way out the door throws a limited-mobility and re-injury risk Burrow out there and he gets hurt again, it will turn into an outright disaster scenario.

For a 3-7 team, the next few weeks of Bengals football are far more important than they have any right being.