Joe Burrow’s turf toe led to immediate concern that surgery might be necessary. That fear has now come true – and a lengthy absence is on the horizon.
The Bengals quarterback went down Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, caught under defenders while escaping a sack. The result: torn ligaments in his left big toe, the one that carries most of the body’s weight for cutting and pushing off. He left in a walking boot and on crutches. An MRI confirmed the damage, and he is dealing with a severe grade 3 injury, per reports.
Multiple specialists were consulted, but the consensus is clear – surgery will be required if pain and instability persist, according to CBS Sports. Doctors will test his progress in three weeks with a steel-plated insert.
“When they test him with that steel plate, if he still has instability and pain with running and pushoff, unfortunately, then he still needs time to rest,” analyst Marty Jaramillo said. [Timestamp – 2:00]
Joe Burrow’s Loss is a Body Blow for Cincinnati
The Bengals had just started 2-0 for the first time in seven years, but without Burrow, production drops by about five points per game. His absence also reopens questions about an offensive line already blamed for his past injuries.
For now, Jake Browning takes the reins. A Bengal since 2021, he showed both grit and flaws in relief. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards and two touchdowns, even rushing for the game-winner. But three interceptions clouded the outing, a reminder of the steep learning curve ahead. Asking him to keep the Bengals afloat is a Herculean task. With the Vikings, Broncos, and Lions looming, the road only gets steeper.
Burrow May Miss Minimum Of 11 Games
Joe Burrow’s expected return on Dec. 14 against Baltimore is on the table. Even so, that would mean missing 11 games – and experts warn a lost season is very much in play. For Bengals fans, it feels like déjà vu, echoing the wrist injury that sidelined their star before.
James Rapien of the “Locked On Bengals” podcast didn’t mince words:
“Joe Burrow, three injuries, three surgically seriously serious injuries that require surgery in six NFL seasons,” Rapien said. “Well, that’s scary.” The numbers tell the same story: three major surgeries before his prime years should even begin.
Much of the blame circles back to the offensive line. The Bengals have ranked near the bottom in pass block win rate, a trend tied to draft misfires such as choosing Jackson Carman over sturdier linemen. And this injury didn’t come on a risky scramble – Burrow was hit inside the pocket, the very place his protection is supposed to be airtight.
Former lineman Duke Mayweather, who once battled a similar Grade 3 turf toe, even went overseas for stem cell treatment. His story underscores how complex and stubborn this injury can be.
The next step comes Monday, when Zac Taylor and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher will address the media. Their short-term plan will be front and center. But the long-term question looms larger: can Cincinnati finally keep its franchise quarterback upright, or will this become an offseason of soul-searching in the trenches?
Main Photo Credit: Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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