The Cincinnati Bengals have a monumental task on their hands. After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the organization has to figure out a way to make it back to the postseason.
Now, they will try to return to the playoffs with superstar quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined for a significant stretch. Here’s the latest on the Bengals QB after he exited Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
What Happened to Joe Burrow?
In Week 2, Burrow was getting hounded throughout the entire game by the Jaguars’ defense. 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.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed this awful news.
“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. Three months from now is Dec. 14. If the #Bengals, at 2-0, stay alive, Burrow has a chance to be back.”
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.
