Bengals’ Joe Burrow To Undergo Toe Surgery

Joe Burrow‘s turf toe led to overnight concerns about surgery being necessary. The Bengals passer will indeed take that route, meaning a lengthy absence is in store.

Burrow is set to undergo surgery on his injured toe, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Multiple opinions were sought out before this decision was made, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds there was a consensus amongst the experts consulted. An absence of at least three months is expected while Burrow recovers.

Midway through the Bengals’ Week 2 game, Burrow injured his toe while being sacked. The two-time Pro Bowler was later seen on crutches and in a walking boot, creating the possibility of a long-term spell on the shelf. Burrow has a history of injuries throughout his Bengals career, and today’s news confirms his track record in that regard will expand.

The 28-year-old is in danger of missing most of the season’s remainder, if not the rest of the campaign in its entirety. As a result, Cincinnati’s outlook for 2025 has been dealt a blow. The team is 2-0 following Sunday’s comeback win over Jacksonville, but backup Jake Browning will now be counted on to lead the way on offense. The Bengals’ defense faced questions entering the season – even with Trey Hendrickson‘s hold-in being ended via a raise covering 2025 – but that unit will be required to deliver strong performances on a consistent basis moving forward.

Burrow, 28, has won the Comeback Player of the Year award twice (2021, 2024) as a sign of his ability to perform among the league’s best when healthy. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) last year, and expectations remained high for Cincinnati’s offense with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signing joint extensions this spring. Their futures are in place beyond 2025, and Burrow is on the books through 2029.

In the immediate term, though, attention will turn to Browning and his ability to guide the Bengals on offense. The former UDFA made his 13th regular season appearance yesterday, each of which have come with Cincinnati. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns (while also rushing for the game-winning score). He did throw three interceptions, however, so ball protection will be a priority over the coming games. During a seven-game span filling in for Burrow in 2023, Browning compiled a 4-3 record and a 12:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Browning is currently the only healthy passer on the Bengals’ active roster. Brett Rypien is in place on the practice squad, so it would be feasible for him to be promoted in the near future. Logan Woodside was with the Bengals early this offseason before being cut in July. That move came about after Desmond Ridder was signed, although the former Falcon and Raider was among the team’s final roster cuts.

To no surprise, Schefter adds the Bengals are making contact with free agent quarterbacks knowing Burrow will be sidelined for an extended period. Ridder is on the market, and he could be a (somewhat) familiar face for the organization regarding an in-season addition. With over $12MM in cap space, Cincinnati could afford a low-cost addition under center. With Ridder or another passer in place to back up Browning, however, the team’s chances of reaching the playoffs will be decidedly lowered. Burrow, meanwhile, now faces another lengthy recovery outlook.