Initial reports on Joe Burrow’s latest injury are not sounding good for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals quarterback suffered a significant toe injury midway through the second quarter of the Bengals’ Week 2 clash Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Burrow tried to find an escape hatch as his pocket collapsed on a 2nd-and-20 play at their own 40.
Burrow got sacked by Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead, who grabbed at his target’s leg to drag him to the ground. Burrow was in serious discomfort as Bengals medical personnel rushed onto the field. He was replaced by Jake Browning and did not return to the contest.
After the game, Burrow was reportedly diagnosed with a Grade 3 turf toe injury. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the injury will require Burrow to undergo surgery, with the recovery timeline being “at least 3 months.” The two-time Pro Bowler is “still evaluating options,” but appears unlikely to find a solution that would allow him to stay on the field.
#Bengals star QB Joe Burrow is feared to have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury, one that would require surgery and put him out at least 3 months, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2025
Burrow is still evaluating options, but the ones that would keep him on the field are dwindling. pic.twitter.com/UqYZejRoLa
A three-month recovery period for Burrow would mean a return for the Bengals’ Week 15 contest against the Baltimore Ravens on December 14. He would miss 11 games in such a scenario.
Burrow has alternated healthy seasons with injury-riddled ones throughout his six-year NFL career. His rookie campaign ended early when he tore his ACL 10 games into the season. The 28-year-old QB also suffered a season-ending wrist injury in 2023, but was able to bounce back from it with a full 17-game season in 2024.
Several fans pinned the blame on the Bengals’ subpar offensive line for letting Burrow down once again.
