Latest Joe Burrow Injury Update: Bengals Get Discouraging News on Star QB's Toe

Ryan Phillips | Sep 14, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the latest reports on Burrow’s injury as of Sunday evening.

Joe Burrow could be out for a while.

According to a report from Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Burrow is believed to have a Grade 3 turf toe injury that will require surgery. His recovery time is expected to be three months.

On Sunday, the Cincinnati Bengals' star quarterback left their matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars after suffering a toe injury while being sacked by Arik Armstead. Burrow remained down on the field for a while as trainers attended to him, then walked off under his own power. The 28-year-old had a noticeable limp and eventually walked back to the locker room.

Burrow left the stadium with a crutch and a boot on his left foot, but we hadn't heard a full update until now.

Burrow opened the game 7-of-13 for 76 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions before he was replaced by Jake Browning. While the backup signal-caller struggled for much of the game, he led Cincinnati to a 31-27 comeback win to improve the team's record to 2-0.

Browning’s game-winning drive will take on extra significance if he’s to be the Bengals starter for the near future.

What Is Turf Toe?

Turf toe is sprained ligaments in the joint of the big toe where it meets the rest of the foot. The result is swelling and pain, with bruising, which can make movement exceptionally difficult. Continuing to play with turf toe can make it worse, so rest is necessary for healing.

The length of recovery from turf toe depends on its severity. A mild case could clean up in a week, but a bad case could take months to heal. A severe case could require surgery.

As things stand, it appears that the Bengals fear surgery is necessary to get Burrow back on the field.

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