The Cincinnati Bengals may have walked away with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, but the biggest storyline wasn’t the 31-27 score, it was Joe Burrow limping off the field in the second quarter with a severe turf-toe injury.
Before leaving, Burrow managed 7 completions on 13 attempts for 76 yards, including a touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase. But that promising start quickly shifted into a cloud of uncertainty that now hovers over Cincinnati’s season.
New report raises concerns
NFL insider Ian Rapoport initially reported Burrow was dealing with the “worst kind” of turf-toe, one that could require surgery and keep him sidelined for three months. But Monday brought a harsher reality.
The Athletic’s Diana Russini revealed that Burrow is seeking multiple second opinions and that surgery could extend his absence even longer. The phrase “extended period” has Bengals fans worried this isn’t just a short-term setback.
How it happened
The injury occurred after a sack, with Burrow favoring his left foot before being pulled. He was listed as questionable but never returned. Backup Jake Browning stepped in and delivered a mixed but gutsy performance—21-of-32 passing for 241 yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions, and a dramatic 92-yard game-winning drive capped by a QB sneak with 18 seconds left.
What this means for Cincinnati
Through two games this season, Burrow had shown steady progress with 189 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Now, the Bengals are staring down a future that could involve months without their star quarterback.
MORE: Life-changing week for Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy moves to Sunday Night Football
If surgery is required, Cincinnati’s offense will have to be reshaped. Browning will be tasked with managing games more carefully, leaning on Chase and Tee Higgins for quick, high-percentage passes. The running game will also need to shoulder more responsibility to keep the offense balanced.
Defensively, the Bengals can’t afford to fall behind early, as the margin for error shrinks without Burrow’s ability to swing games late. And in an unforgiving AFC North, losing ground quickly could derail playoff hopes before winter arrives.
For now, all eyes remain on medical evaluations. Until Cincinnati has clarity on whether Burrow undergoes surgery, the franchise sits in limbo, hopeful their cornerstone can return sooner rather than later.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Life-changing week for Minnesota’s J.J. McCarthy moves to Sunday Night Football
- NFL Week 2 Sunday games: Full schedule and key storylines
- Shedeur Sanders refuses to answer Ravens draft rumor after Browns loss
- From sleeping in cars to NFL stardom: The inspiring journey of Josh Jacobs
- Jayden Daniels aims to end decades of Commanders’ misery at Lambeau
- Meet Ronika Stone, the volleyball star married to Packers QB Jordan Love
- Rob Gronkowski blasts Miami Dolphins after ugly opener: “They’re terrible