The early prognosis on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is not good.
Burrow left Sunday’s 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a left toe injury and according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Burrow is ‘feared’ to have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury and will likely require surgery, putting him out for at least three months.
Rapoport adds that Burrow is still “evaluating” options.
Burrow sustained 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.
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.
An injury of any significance is a blow to a Bengals team hoping to bounce back from missing the playoffs in 2024.
Burrow initially received treatment on the field from athletic trainers before heading to the sideline medical tent.
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.
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 are certainly hoping that Burrow can return to the field sooner than later.
