Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left Sunday’s 31-27 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a left toe injury.
On Monday, it was reported Burrow will have surgery to address the issue. He’s expected to miss at least three months as he recovers from the procedure.
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That scenario was mentioned as a possibility late Sunday, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bengals were sending images of Burrow’s injury to foot specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson and that Burrow might need surgery that would keep him out of action for three months.
NFL Network reported that the injury is feared to be Grade 3 turf toe, which would require surgery and the lengthy layoff.
The injury will significantly alter Cincinnati’s season and is another blow to Burrow’s injury-riddled career.
The Bengals confirmed a toe injury and initially announced at halftime that he was questionable to return. But they ruled him out for the rest of the game before the end of the third quarter. They did not confirm Schefter’s report.
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Joe Danneman of Cincinnati’s Fox 19 reported during the third quarter that Burrow had an MRI and needed to use a one-legged scooter to get back to the locker room after undergoing imaging. Burrow was seen in the postgame locker room using a crutch and wearing a walking boot.
Burrow appeared to sustain the injury on a sack by Arik Armstead midway through the second quarter. Armstead tackled Burrow by his right ankle, and Burrow was slow to get up.
Burrow initially received treatment on the field from athletic trainers before heading to the sideline medical tent.
He started to limp to the locker room on his own, but eventually needed the help of two trainers to walk down the tunnel.
Backup Jake Browning took over at quarterback for the Bengals as the Jaguars held a 14-7 lead. He finished 21-of-32 for 241 passing yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. Browning led a 15-play, 92-yard game-winning touchdown drive that ended on a 1-yard QB sneak for a score with 19 seconds left.
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With Burrow reportedly down for a few months, Browning will likely take over as the team’s primary starter. The Bengals are also reaching out to free agents at the position, per Schefter.
Burrow’s injury is a significant blow to a Bengals team hoping to bounce back from missing the playoffs in 2024.
With Burrow healthy alongside receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and running back Chase Brown, the Bengals were projected to have one of the NFL’s best offenses this year. Cincinnati’s offense struggled in Week 1, but the Bengals eked out a 17-16 win.
A two-time Pro Bowler who led the Bengals to the Super Bowl after the 2021 season, Burrow is one of the league’s best quarterbacks when healthy. But injuries have limited him throughout his career.
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A knee injury that included a torn ACL ended his rookie season in Week 10. A calf injury in 2023 limited his effectiveness before a wrist injury ultimately ended his season.
The Bengals will now try to tread water without Burrow in hopes he can return in time for a playoff push.