Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized Monday that Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow’s return to the field is limited and simply just another step in his rehab progression, but is big enough to give the Bengals a lift.

Before practice, Taylor ruled out a return for Sunday's game (1 p.m.-Cincinnati’s Local 12) against the AFC North-leading Steelers in Pittsburgh and said he won't be working 11-on-11 during Monday's brief workout.

"I think he's ready for this part of the recovery to come back on a limited basis and progress it on the field with the players," Taylor said before practice. "Internally, this was always a good timeline for us. He's worked really hard to get to this point … We'll start with this week. He's got the 21-day window that we've activated. The timeline (is) beyond this week."

He said Burrow would throw routes on air ("start progressing that way") and with starting quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) getting a rest Monday, Burrow would split snaps with Jake Browning and Sean Clifford.

Monday started a 21-day period during which Burrow may begin limited practice with the team without counting against the 53-player active roster. He's eligible to be activated to the roster during the 21-day window.

But Taylor said, "We're not there yet," when it came to questions of Burrow's status after the Steelers game.

"Not ready to make that prediction. Truly week to week. There's no reason for us to do that," Taylor said. "We haven't seen him yet out there on the field, and so we'll get through this, this, this first week, and approach next week and see where we've got a conversation.

It's just constant conversation since day one of this whole thing … This is a timeline that we were always on pace for."

Taylor said he thinks Burrow's appearance can give his team a lift on its first day back from the bye.

"He's one of the best players in the world, and so anytime that player comes back, and players have seen how hard he's been working behind the scenes with the trainers and strength coaches and all that kind of stuff," Taylor said, "I think it's exciting when you see a guy who's put so much into coming back."

Slants and Screens

Taylor said defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip), is doubtful for Sunday …

Flacco didn't work as he recovers from throwing for a career-best 470 yards against the Bears Nov. 2 with an injured AC joint, but Taylor said Flacco told him it felt OK and that they'll make plans to manage this week's practice load …