Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is set to undergo surgery for a left toe injury, with a projected recovery time of three months, as per reports from The Associated Press and ESPN. The injury occurred during the second quarter of the Bengals’ recent 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burrow was taken down by Arik Armstead from Jacksonville, leading him to seek medical attention on the sideline before retiring to the locker room.
Following the incident, Burrow was spotted exiting the Bengals’ locker room on crutches, sporting a protective boot on his left foot. The team has yet to confirm the news independently, and an official announcement regarding Burrow’s condition is anticipated after coach Zac Taylor’s press conference on Monday.
This injury marks the third significant setback for Burrow since being selected as the top overall pick in the 2020 draft. Previously, a knee injury in his rookie season sidelined him for six games, while a wrist injury in 2023 kept him out for the final seven games of that season.
With the Bengals off to a promising 2-0 start for the first time since 2018, Burrow’s absence poses a challenge as they aim for post-season success after missing the playoffs in the past two years. The team’s upcoming opponents, including Minnesota, are all playoff contenders from last season.
In Burrow’s absence, Jake Browning will step in as the starting quarterback. Browning showcased his capabilities during the Jaguars game, completing 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, along with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also secured the winning touchdown with an impressive 1-yard leap in the final moments of the game.
Reflecting on his performance, Browning acknowledged room for improvement but emphasized the team’s collective success. Having previously filled in as a starter for the Bengals during Burrow’s absence two years ago, Browning is prepared to take on the role once more.
Burrow, who led the NFL in the previous season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdown passes, faces a challenging road to recovery, with the Bengals rallying behind their interim quarterback in his absence.