The biggest story of the early slate of games in Week 2 was without a doubt the injury to Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s foot in their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. What’s the latest on the superstar, and how long will he be sidelined?
How Long Could Cincinnati Bengals Joe Burrow Be Out?
Burrow went down in the backfield while facing off against a solid Jaguars defensive line, and grabbed his left foot and ankle. The injury was so bad that he had to be helped back to the locker room and was later spotted riding a scooter, so that he didn’t put any weight on his foot.
The Bengals quarterback didn’t return to the game, and he was officially diagnosed with turf toe. After the game, Burrow was seen in the locker room “with a boot on his left foot and crutches.”
NFL insider Ian Rapoport provided an update on Burrow’s injury, and it wasn’t a one that the Bengals fans wanted.
“Bengals star QB Joe Burrow is feared to have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury,” he wrote. “One that would require surgery and put him out at least 3 months, per me and Tom Pelissero. Burrow is still evaluating options, but the ones that would keep him on the field are dwindling.”
“With torn ligaments and a severe turf toe injury, Joe Burrow’s likely option is surgery,” he added. “Three months from now is Dec. 14. If the #Bengals, at 2-0, stay alive, Burrow has a chance to be back.”
Given how important the passing game is to the Bengals’ offense, as evidenced by their offseason investments in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati will make sure Burrow is 100% before returning. Jake Browning hasn’t been awful in Week 2, but there’s a clear downgrade in talent going from Burrow to Browning.
Turf toe doesn’t sound too bad in the grand scheme of things, but a Grade 3 turf toe that requires surgery is very painful and will throw a wrench in Cincinnati’s season.
How Does Burrow’s Injury Impact Fantasy Outlook?
Burrow has had several bouts of health issues throughout his career, but he was healthy for the entire 2024 season, and it was glorious. Without Burrow, it will be difficult for both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to produce in the same week.
Backup quarterbacks tend to key in on their primary read. Chase goes from the best wide receiver in fantasy to more of a mid-WR1. Higgins would go from an every-week WR2 to a middling WR3. Neither tight end is startable with Burrow, so they are not of concern.
We could see more checkdowns directed at Chase Brown, but his touchdown upside takes a hit with Jake Browning under center.
