Joe Burrow Out Until December After Toe Surgery, Bengals in Trouble

Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow will be sidelined for at least three months after undergoing toe surgery, multiple reports confirmed.

Joe Burrow was hurt during the Bengals’ 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The 28-year-old limped off in the second quarter with what doctors later confirmed as a Grade 3 turf toe injury. He left the stadium on crutches with his left foot in a boot.

Bengals Turn to Jake Browning

With Burrow out, Jake Browning will step in as QB1. However, the backup didn’t impress against Jacksonville, throwing three interceptions despite also delivering 241 yards, two touchdowns, and the game-winning sneak in the final seconds.

The Bengals (2-0) now face a tough run — starting with the Minnesota Vikings next week, followed by the Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Steelers in October. This is the team’s first 2-0 start since 2018.

Joe Burrow Could Return in December

If recovery goes as planned, Burrow could return to practice in early December. That timeline would make him available for a December 14 clash with the Baltimore Ravens or possibly the Week 16 showdown against the Miami Dolphins on December 21.

Joe Burrow, who has already battled major injuries in his career, was 7-of-13 for 76 yards and a touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase before leaving the game. In 71 career appearances, he has thrown for 19,190 yards, 142 touchdowns, and 46 interceptions, completing nearly 69% of his passes. He was the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 after leading Cincinnati to the Super Bowl and won the award again last year.

Bengals Explore Backup Options

Behind Browning, veteran Brett Rypien is currently on the practice squad. But with Burrow sidelined for months, Cincinnati is already exploring reinforcements.

According to ESPN, the Bengals have reached out to free agents including Desmond Ridder, Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Trask, and Nate Sudfeld. They could also consider a trade for experienced names like Jameis Winston (Giants) or Case Keenum (Bears).

Another possibility is signing quarterbacks from practice squads, where several players with starting experience are available — including Tyler Huntley, Bailey Zappe, C.J. Beathard, Jeff Driskel, Sam Hartman, and Trevor Siemian.

For now, Cincinnati’s season rests on Browning’s shoulders as fans wait anxiously for Burrow’s return.