Joe Burrow to Undergo Surgery, Expected Out at Least Three Months After Turf Toe

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo surgery on his left foot to repair a turf toe injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least three months, ESPN reported Monday.

The injury occurred Sunday during the Bengals' 2025 regular-season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burrow was sacked by Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead for a 5-yard loss at the Cincinnati 35-yard line with 9:02 remaining in the first half, after which he went to the sideline and into the medical tent. He briefly returned with a limp before leaving for the locker room on crutches. The team sought a second medical opinion Sunday night.

Backup quarterback Jake Browning entered the game and helped Cincinnati to a victory that gave the Bengals a 2-0 start, their best season opening since 2018. Browning completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. Head coach Zac Taylor did not make an immediate long-term roster announcement following the game.

The expected three-month recovery would mark the third time Burrow has missed significant game action since entering the NFL. He was limited to 10 games in both the 2020 and 2023 seasons because of injuries. Burrow's availability had been a major factor for Cincinnati since he took over as the team's starter; he led the league last season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes and finished fourth in MVP voting.

Tee Higgins, one of the Bengals' veteran receivers, described the moment and the team's outlook after the game. "It’s tough right now. We’re going to be OK. He’s a strong guy," Higgins said on Sunday. "We look forward to seeing what the results are."

Medical experts typically treat turf toe — an injury to the ligaments around the big toe joint — with rest, immobilization and rehabilitation, though severe cases can require surgical repair and extended recovery time. The Bengals indicated the plan was for Burrow to have a surgical procedure on his left foot, according to the ESPN report, and that a timetable for return would follow post-operative evaluation.

The injury prompted immediate attention to Cincinnati's quarterback depth and offensive continuity. Burrow has been central to the Bengals' offensive identity since his selection as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, and his absence will require the team to rely on backup options and coaching adjustments while he recovers.

Burrow's status will be monitored by the Bengals' medical staff and outside specialists as he progresses through surgery and rehabilitation. The team did not immediately announce a specific surgery date or provide a detailed recovery schedule beyond the three-month estimate reported by ESPN. Cincinnati's next games and how long Burrow will miss remain contingent on surgical findings and the subsequent healing process.

The Bengals entered the season with high expectations following Burrow's performance in 2024, and the organization emphasized its commitment to his long-term health in team statements after the game. The club's roster and coaching staff face a near-term focus on maintaining offensive production while Burrow undergoes treatment and recovery.

Further updates on Burrow's surgery date, the official recovery timetable and any roster moves are expected from the Bengals once the team has formal medical reports and a concrete plan. In the meantime, Browning and the Bengals will prepare to carry the team through the early portion of the regular season without their starting quarterback.