The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 season took a major hit in Week 2, when starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury that changed everything about the immediate plan at the most crucial position. With Burrow expected to miss significant time, the conversation inside and outside the building shifted to how Cincinnati should handle the next stretch and who should be under center while he recovers.
What Does Joe Burrow’s Injury Mean for the Bengals’ Quarterback Plan?
The injury is expected to keep Burrow out for approximately twelve weeks, which places even more weight on how Cincinnati navigates the coming months with backup Jake Browning running the offense.
Since the setback, the Bengals have been the center of quarterback trade chatter. This trend reflects a roster built to contend and a season with time to stabilize.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning did admirably in leading the Bengals to a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars after Burrow left the game in Week 2. Still, his deficiencies were exposed in last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Browning was sacked three times, threw two interceptions, and fumbled three times in a dominant 48-10 loss to the Vikings.
With Burrow out for a sustained period, NFL insiders have suggested that Cincinnati could explore the trade market for an experienced quarterback. One name prominently linked is former Pro Bowl quarterback Jameis Winston, who is currently third-string on the New York Giants depth chart.
Even after Jaxson Dart was elevated to a starter, Winston’s fortunes did not change as Russell Wilson was announced as the backup quarterback.
Why Jameis Winston Makes Sense for Cincinnati
Winston has had an up-and-down career since being drafted 1st overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015. Critics point to Winston’s propensity for turning the ball over. However, he brings starting experience and the ability to stretch the field with his arm.
The Bengals make sense as a trade destination. This roster is too talented to waste a season, especially with wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase signing significant contract extensions in the offseason. Pass rusher Trey Hendrickson also reworked his contract; this year could be his last in Cincinnati. Winston could provide short-term stability and give the team hope at the playoffs while Burrow recovers.
Winston’s affordability could also sway the decision in his favor over another trade candidate like the Atlanta Falcons’ Kirk Cousins, who still has guaranteed money remaining on his 4-year, $100 million contract he signed in March 2024. Winston’s 2-year, $8 million contract makes him the ideal stopgap solution while the team waits for Burrow’s return. Burrow is also on a lucrative deal and is one of the highest-paid players in the league.
The trade deadline is November 4, slightly more than a month away. The Bengals will need to decide soon whether to gamble on a veteran.
