Burrow Could Miss Entire Season After Turf Toe Surgery, Glazer Says
Fox Sports' Jay Glazer casts doubt on a three-month return timetable; new report suggests Burrow could miss the season unless Cincinnati advances to the playoffs.
An update on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow's turf toe injury has Bengals fans fearing the worst, with a Fox Sports report suggesting he could miss the rest of the season. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, appearing on Fox NFL Sunday, cast doubt on the three-month return timeline and said Burrow could return if Cincinnati reaches the playoffs, though such a comeback would be far from guaranteed. "They're saying three months, I don't see three months being an actual timeline," Glazer said. "I think more so [he has] a chance if they make the playoffs, but only because it's Joe Burrow. Somebody else I'd say no. But he has that Mamba Mentality, maybe yes." Glazer added that Burrow fully tore a tendon, ligament and a 'capsule' in his foot.
Burrow sustained the injury last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being brought down by defensive end Arik Armstead. He was helped off the field and into the locker room before being replaced by backup Jake Browning, and was later seen wearing a walking boot and crutches. He underwent surgery on Friday to repair the damage.
The latest diagnosis broadens the recovery outlook beyond the three-month window that had circulated earlier in the week. A three-month target would have placed Cincinnati's Week 15 game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 14, with the NFL playoffs beginning January 10. While Glazer noted a possible return in the postseason, the uncertainty remains high and the Bengals have not publicly specified a timetable.
Burrow, 28, has battled season-ending injuries before, missing time in 2020 with a knee injury and in 2023 with a wrist issue. Cincinnati began the season 2-0 and is set to visit Minnesota on Sunday as it navigates the potential absence of its starting quarterback.