The Cincinnati Bengals’ comeback win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 should have been a statement that would have set them up for their Super Bowl aspirations. Instead, it became a heartbreaking pivot, as star quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a severe injury that instantly altered the team’s trajectory for the 2025 season.
Joe Burrow Injury Update
According to an article by PFSN‘s Zahid Rashid, Burrow’s injury happened during the first half of the game. Burrow was tackled from behind and twisted to the ground while a defender pulled him by the foot. After the play, the quarterback remained on the field and had to be assisted by trainers to reach the sideline. While he avoided being taken off on a cart, Burrow could barely put any weight on his injured left leg.
He was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game, and soon after, the outlook turned grim. Following evaluations, the Bengals confirmed that Burrow had suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury, a condition severe enough to require surgery. Head coach Zac Taylor later informed reporters that Burrow would need a procedure to repair the damage, but did not commit to a specific timeline for his return.
Without Burrow, the Bengals’ offense is ranked 30th in the league based on PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
Multiple reports suggest the recovery will keep him sidelined for at least three months. This timeline positions his potential return around mid-December, assuming a smooth recovery process. However, the Bengals have not provided any official updates since his surgery occurred in mid-September. This uncertainty leaves fans wondering if Cincinnati will even be in a position to risk bringing him back late in the season.
Ahead of the Bengals’ Week 7 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Burrow is on track to make a mid-December return.
From The TNF pregame show on @NFLonPrime: #Bengals QB Joe Burrow is on track to return in mid-December; Plus, what does the future hold for #Bengals star edge Trey Hendrickson? pic.twitter.com/eBlzLlevVZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 16, 2025
As Taylor has maintained, Burrow’s status depends heavily on how the team performs without him. Since his absence, the Bengals have gone 2-4 entering Week 7, losing all four games since the injury. With their playoff hopes fading, the team’s record could ultimately dictate whether he suits up again in 2025.
In the meantime, Joe Flacco has taken over as the starting quarterback after being traded from the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 7. The 40-year-old veteran made his debut for the Bengals against Green Bay just five days later, completing 64.4% of his passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a loss. His season totals across his time with Cleveland and Cincinnati are 1,034 yards, four touchdowns, and six interceptions.
While Flacco provides valuable experience, the Bengals’ offense clearly lacks the dynamic spark that Burrow brings to the field. The franchise’s hopes for a late-season turnaround largely hinge on whether Flacco can steady the ship long enough to keep them in the playoff conversation. The Bengals and their fans hope their franchise cornerstone heals for a potential December return.