Joe Burrow Could Miss Up to Three Months After Suspected Grade 3 Turf Toe
Bengals evaluating surgery option after Week 2 toe injury; backup Jake Browning engineered last-second win
The Cincinnati Bengals' season outlook was clouded Monday after star quarterback Joe Burrow left Sunday’s 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a toe injury that is suspected to be a Grade 3 turf toe and may require surgery that could sideline him for as long as three months.
The team confirmed Burrow suffered a toe injury in the second quarter at Paycor Stadium on Sept. 14 when he was sacked by Arik Armstead. Burrow stayed on the turf, reacted in visible frustration and was taken to the locker room for evaluation. The Bengals sent images of the injury to foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson to help determine whether surgery is necessary. No decision on surgery had been announced as of Monday, but a procedure for a Grade 3 turf toe typically carries a lengthy recovery timeline and could keep a player out through much of the regular season.
When Burrow left the game, backup Jake Browning entered and led a comeback after a preceding interception of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Browning dove into the end zone in the final seconds to seal the Bengals’ 31-27 victory, giving Cincinnati a 2-0 start to the 2025 season. The Bengals are expected to rule Burrow out at least for next week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings while further evaluations continue, and a team announcement could come as early as Monday.
Burrow, 28, has faced significant injuries earlier in his career. He tore multiple ligaments in his left knee in 2020 and suffered a torn wrist ligament in 2023, both of which ended his seasons. He rebounded to lead the NFL last season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns and was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. The Bengals missed the playoffs the previous season despite his strong individual numbers.
A Grade 3 turf toe involves a complete tear of the ligaments supporting the big toe, often requiring surgical repair; recovery can range from weeks to several months depending on the severity and the player’s response to treatment. The team’s use of a specialist to review imaging reflects the significance of the decision between conservative treatment and operative repair.
Cincinnati’s coaching staff and medical team will evaluate imaging and clinical findings before announcing next steps. If Burrow undergoes surgery, the timetable laid out by specialists could rule him out for a substantial portion of the regular season. The Bengals will rely on Browning and their depth at quarterback while updates on Burrow’s status are awaited.