Bengals QB Joe Burrow Out Three Months After Toe Surgery/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ morning Edition/ Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo left toe surgery and miss about three months, a major setback for the team’s playoff hopes. Burrow was injured during Sunday’s win over the Jaguars and left the game on crutches. Backup Jake Browning will take over as starter in his absence.
Joe Burrow Toe Injury: Quick Looks
- Surgery Confirmed: Burrow will undergo left toe surgery, sidelined for three months.
- Source: News leaked ahead of official Bengals announcement.
- Timing: Injury occurred during second quarter vs. Jaguars on Sunday.
- Immediate Impact: Burrow left stadium in boot and crutches.
- Replacement: Jake Browning named starter, threw 241 yards and 2 TDs.
- Bengals Start: Team is 2-0 for first time since 2018.
- Tough Schedule: Five straight games ahead against playoff teams.
- Past Injuries: Burrow missed time in 2020 (knee) and 2023 (wrist).
- Teammate Support: Tee Higgins calls Burrow “a strong guy.”
- Stat Leader: Burrow led NFL in passing yards and TDs last season.
Deep Look: Bengals Star QB Joe Burrow to Miss Three Months Following Toe Surgery
CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo surgery on his injured left toe and is expected to miss three months, according to a person familiar with the situation. The news comes as the Bengals aim for their first playoff berth in three years, delivering an early-season blow to one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
The person disclosed the information on condition of anonymity ahead of head coach Zac Taylor’s scheduled news conference, where the team is expected to confirm Burrow’s status.
Injury During Sunday’s Game
Burrow’s setback occurred in the second quarter of Sunday’s 31–27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Sacked by defensive tackle Arik Armstead for a five-yard loss, Burrow immediately showed signs of discomfort. After briefly visiting the sideline medical tent, he limped toward the locker room.
By game’s end, Burrow left the stadium on crutches with his left foot in a boot.
“It’s tough right now. We’re going to be OK. He’s a strong guy,” said wide receiver Tee Higgins, expressing optimism about his quarterback’s recovery.
Bengals Turn to Jake Browning
In Burrow’s absence, Jake Browning will step into the starting role. Browning finished Sunday’s game by completing 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also scored the game-winning touchdown on a one-yard leap with just 18 seconds remaining.
“He said, ‘Good job.’ He was dealing with the injury, so it was brief,” Browning recalled of his postgame exchange with Burrow.
Browning has appeared in 13 games for Cincinnati, posting a 4–3 record as starter during the 2023 season when Burrow was sidelined with a wrist injury.
“I know it wasn’t my best game, but we won, so Sundays are happy,” Browning said. “But come Monday, we’ll come in and get better.”
Major Setback for a Promising Season
The injury is especially untimely. The Bengals are 2-0 for the first time since 2018, raising hopes for a strong season after missing the playoffs the past two years. But their schedule now turns brutal, starting with a trip to face Minnesota and followed by five straight opponents that made the playoffs last year.
Without Burrow, Cincinnati faces uncertainty about its offensive consistency and playoff potential.
Burrow’s Injury History
The setback marks Burrow’s third major injury in six NFL seasons. Drafted first overall in 2020, his rookie year was cut short by a knee injury that cost him six games. In 2023, a wrist injury ended his season seven games early.
Despite those setbacks, Burrow has proven himself as one of the league’s most prolific passers. Last season, he led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes, reaffirming his status as Cincinnati’s franchise cornerstone.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals have not indicated whether Burrow will return late in the season, but the three-month timetable places his comeback near the end of the regular season. For now, the team will have to rally around Browning while hoping Burrow can recover in time for a potential playoff run.
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