Joe Burrow suffered an injury during the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 2 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Heading into the season, the Bengals had a monumental task on their hands. After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the organization had to figure out a way to make it back to the postseason.
Now, they will try to return to the playoffs with superstar quarterback Burrow sidelined for a significant stretch. Here’s the latest on the Bengals quarterback after he exited Sunday’s game against the Jaguars.
What Happened to Joe Burrow?
In Week 2, the Jaguars’ defense hounded Burrow throughout the game. In the second quarter, down 14-7, that came to a head when he was brutally tackled in the backfield.
Immediately, it was clear that something was wrong as the Cincy superstar was slow to get up. However, even after he tried to shake it off and resume play, he could not take more than a few steps before falling back on the ground.
Joe Burrow stayed down after a sack with trainers focusing on his ankle. He’s headed to the medical tent. pic.twitter.com/nRwKaiK1wj
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 14, 2025
Clutching his foot, it became clear that something was amiss. Jake Browning subbed into the game soon after, as Burrow limped into the blue medical tent on the sidelines.
Coming out of Week 1, the Bengals ranked 29th in the NFL in PFSN’s OL Impact metric. Unfortunately, this continued to be an issue in Week 2.
The Bengals star was later seen walking towards the locker room, where he had imaging done. Now, after using a scooter and not putting any weight on his foot in the second half, tests have revealed that Burrow has a Grade 3 turf toe injury that will sideline him for three months.
The next day after the game, NFL insider Adam Schefter confirmed the horrible news for the Bengals fans.
“Bengals QB Joe Burrow will need toe surgery that will sideline him a minimum of three months,” he wrote. “The Bengals have been calling around to other free-agent quarterbacks since after Joe Burrow’s injury, knowing they will have to add at least one more to their roster.”
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Burrow will have surgery. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, the team placed the star quarterback on injured reserve.
Zac Taylor says #Bengals QB Joe Burrow is likely going to need surgery on his toe and miss significant time. Doesn’t have any word yet on placing him on IR, still gathering second opinions. pic.twitter.com/F4kEKPqwPe
— Yanni Tragellis (@yannitragellis) September 15, 2025
Until the Bengals figure out a way to get a new quarterback, they have to rely on Jake Browning, who threw for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions against the Jaguars.
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 Browning under center.
