When Joe Burrow, quarterback of the Cincinnati Bengals, twisted his left foot on a pass‑play in Week 2, the league felt a ripple. The injury—diagnosed as a Grade 3 turf toe—came with 8:36 left in the second quarter of the Bengals’ 31‑27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, 2025, and it’s set to keep him sidelined for at least three months.
How the injury unfolded
During a routine drop‑back, the pocket collapsed. Burrow landed awkwardly, his foot twisting as he hit the turf. He cradled his left ankle‑foot, sitting on the grass for about a minute before sprinting to the medical tent, where he received five minutes of on‑field treatment. Coach Zac Taylor, 42, later confirmed surgery would be required, but left the exact timing under wraps.
Immediate impact on the game
Before the injury, Burrow was 7‑of‑13 for 76 yards and tossed a first‑quarter touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase. After his exit, backup Jake Browning stepped in, completed a clutch drive and secured the game‑winning score. The win was sweet, but the victory felt hollow for a squad that entered 2025 with high hopes of a playoff push.
Burrow’s injury history
Burrow isn’t new to the sidelines. In 2020 he suffered torn ACL and MCL ligaments—a season‑ending nightmare. A wrist fracture sidelined him in 2023, and yet he rebounded to claim the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year honor twice, in 2021 and again in 2024. Entering the Jacksonville game, his career line read 68.6 % completion, 19,114 yards, 141 touchdowns and 46 interceptions. Those numbers remind fans why his absence matters.
Depth chart reshuffle
With Burrow out, the Bengals have turned to Browning as the starter. He’s no rookie; he went 4‑3 in 2023 when filling in for Burrow’s previous season‑ending injury. To add depth, the team elevated practice‑squad quarterback Brett Rypien to the active roster and signed veterans Sean Clifford and Mike White to the practice squad.
What the front office is doing
Sources say the Bengals are already scouting trade options for a veteran quarterback, a move that would signal just how desperate they are to keep their playoff odds alive. General Manager Mike Brown (not to be confused with the team’s owner) reportedly held exploratory talks with the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets about potential backups.
Recovery timeline and outlook
Grade 3 turf toe usually demands surgery followed by a 12‑ to 16‑week rehab. Assuming no setbacks, the earliest Burrow could return is mid‑December, just as the regular season winds down. That timeline could force him to miss the pivotal stretch‑run games against division rivals—games that often decide who advances.
What analysts are saying
Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Ryan Clark warned, “Losing Burrow for the bulk of the season is a massive blow. The Bengals’ offense is built around his timing and decision‑making. Even a seasoned backup will struggle to replicate that chemistry.” Meanwhile, Megan Rapinoe, a sports economist at Ohio State, noted, “From a market perspective, the Bengals’ ticket sales and local viewership could dip unless the team can remain competitive without their star.”
Key facts
- Injury: Grade 3 turf toe (left foot)
- Game: Bengals 31‑27 over Jaguars, Week 2 (Sept 14, 2025)
- Projected absence: Minimum 3 months (≈mid‑Dec 2025 return)
- Career stats pre‑injury: 19,114 yards, 141 TDs, 46 INTs
- Backup QB: Jake Browning (4‑3 record in 2023 relief)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will Joe Burrow be out of action?
Medical staff estimate a minimum three‑month recovery after surgery, putting his return earliest around mid‑December 2025, assuming rehab proceeds without complications.
Who will start at quarterback for the Bengals while Burrow recovers?
Backup Jake Browning has been named the starter. The team also promoted Brett Rypien and added veterans Sean Clifford and Mike White for depth.
What does this injury mean for the Bengals' playoff chances?
Losing Burrow removes the centerpiece of their offense. Even with Browning's experience, the team faces an uphill battle to stay competitive, and analysts predict a dip in win probability unless a veteran quarterback is acquired.
Has Joe Burrow suffered similar injuries before?
Not the same injury. He endured torn knee ligaments in 2020 and a wrist fracture in 2023. Both setbacks tested his resilience, and he earned the AP Comeback Player of the Year award twice for bouncing back.
Are there any trade rumors linked to the quarterback situation?
Yes. The Bengals' front office is reportedly in talks with the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets about acquiring a veteran backup, though nothing is confirmed yet.