Joe Burrow‘s turf toe will leave the Bengals without their starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. His recovery process could begin shortly. 
Burrow is currently scheduled to undergo surgery tomorrow, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. The timing of the procedure will depend on the swelling in Burrow’s injured toe, and it could be pushed back a few days if needed. In any case, Dr. Norman Waldrop will perform the surgery, per Rapoport.
Dr. Waldrop has worked under renowned surgeon Dr. Robert Anderson, and he has experience with a number of high-profile procedures. This Burrow one will add to that list, and a recovery period of at least three months is in store. As such, Jake Browning will be tasked with leading Cincinnati’s offense through the bulk of the campaign as the team looks to build off a 2-0 start to the year.
Expectations for the team in 2025 have understandably taken a major hit in the wake of Burrow’s injury, though. The former No. 1 pick has now suffered three major ailments in his six-year NFL career, and the timing of his latest one could leave him unavailable for the rest of the season depending on the timing of the procedure and his recovery process. Burrow, 28, is attached to his $55MM-per-year extension through 2029 so a cautious approach regarding his return should be expected.
In the meantime, Browning and Brett Rypien will handle QB duties on the active roster. Rypien was recently promoted to the 53-man roster with Mike White and Sean Clifford being added to the practice squad. Those four passers will handle their respective roles while Burrow rehabs his toe. Provided his surgery goes as planned, the countdown to when he will once again be available to Cincinnati will begin.