Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has successful surgery on turf toe injury but no timeframe given for return
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow undergoes surgery on a Grade 3 turf toe injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars; Jake Browning replaced Burrow at quarterback as the Bengals improved to 2-0 for the first time since 2018
Friday 19 September 2025 20:43, UK
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has undergone surgery on his toe injury but no timeframe has been given for his return to action.
Burrow limped off during the second quarter of Cincinnati's 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars after falling awkwardly during a sack by Arik Armstead. He was initially labelled as questionable before later being officially ruled out.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor confirmed after Friday's practice that the surgery had gone well but he did not provide a timeline on how long Burrow will be out.
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"Joe just had surgery," Taylor said. "He's in recovery. Everything went well. No timeline (for a return)."
The sixth-year quarterback was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday which puts him out for at least four games but preliminary estimates have him sidelined for up to three months.
This is Burrow's third major injury in his six seasons since being the top overall pick in the 2020 draft.
Jake Browning will be the starter in Burrow's absence as the Bengals look for their first 3-0 start since 2015 on Sunday at Minnesota while Brett Rypien will be Browning's backup.
Browning came in to replace Burrow at quarterback on Sunday, overcoming three interceptions to punish Jacksonville's late mistakes.
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He finished the game 21 of 32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns and three picks in Burrow's absence, and now looks primed to start against the Minnesota Vikings in Week Three.
The Bengals also declared rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart out for Sunday's game because of an ankle injury. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) is doubtful after missing the last two days of practice and CB DJ Turner II (hamstring) is questionable.
Sky Sports NFL's Jason Bell...
"Jake Browning has had success out there when he's had to play.
"But we want to see Joe Burrow, he's in the MVP conversation for a reason, this offense is different when he's out there, he's one of the best players in the NFL, that's what you want to see week in week out.
"It's going to be hard, but it's why you have depth."
Sky Sports NFL's Phoebe Schecter...
"The conversation around having a strong backup quarterback is so important for situations like this.
"He's not Joe Burrow, he won't be the guy who will be the difference-maker, especially with a team whose defense has not been that strong. Joe Burrow has had to carry a lot of that load."
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