When Joe Burrow initially suffered his turf toe injury last week and was expected to miss three months, the assumption by many was the $275 million quarterback would be able to return for the Bengals’ final few games of the season.
But Cincinnati may not want to hold its breath.
Jay Glazer reported on “Fox NFL Sunday” that Burrow might only have a chance to play again this year if the Bengals reach the playoffs — and even that is not a guarantee.
Joe Burrow grimaces after suffering a toe injury during the Bengals’ game against the Jaguars on Sept. 14, 2025. AP
“They’re saying three months, I don’t see three months being an actual timeline,” Glazer said. “I think more so [Burrow has] a chance [to return] if they make the playoffs, but only because it’s Joe Burrow. Somebody else I’d say no. But he has that Mamba Mentality, maybe yes. It’s such a difficult injury to return from.”
Burrow, 28, had surgery on Friday to repair a fully torn tendon in his big toe, along with a ligament and a “capsule,” per Glazer.
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He was injured during the second quarter of last Sunday’s Bengals win over the Jaguars.
Jake Browning took over and will be the Bengals’ starting quarterback moving forward.
Browning finished Week 2 going 21-for-32 with 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions along with a rushing touchdown.
Jake Browning warms up before the Bengals’ game against the Vikings on Sept. 21, 2025. Getty ImagesHe made seven starts as a rookie in 2023 when Burrow missed time with a wrist injury, throwing for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
The Bengals are on the road against the Vikings in Week 3.
