Joe Burrow Stuns NFL: Record-Breaking Performance Propels Bengals and Shakes Up Playoff Picture

CINCINNATI—Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is facing at least a three-month absence after undergoing surgery to repair a Grade 3 turf-toe injury suffered in Week 2, head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Monday. Burrow sustained the injury while scrambling late in the fourth quarter of Cincinnati’s 23-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 14. Initial hopes of a quick return faded when team doctors discovered ligament damage that required surgical intervention, performed Sept. 19 at the Cleveland Clinic, according to multiple reports. Speaking publicly for the first time since the procedure, Burrow told reporters, “The goal is to be back before the playoffs, but I won’t rush it. My long-term health and helping this franchise win a Super Bowl are what matter”. The fourth-year signal-caller was spotted in the locker room Monday wearing a protective walking boot and using a scooter to keep weight off his left foot. Impact on Bengals’ 2025 season • Backup Jake Browning will start Sunday against the undefeated Denver Broncos, with recently signed veteran Cam Newton elevated to QB2. • Cincinnati (1-3) faces four division games over the next six weeks; Burrow’s absence could make repeating as AFC North champions an uphill climb. • Wideout Ja’Marr Chase admitted the offense “loses its swagger without JB,” but added that “this locker room’s been doubted before and we’ll respond.” Fantasy football fallout Burrow’s injury forces managers to pivot: Browning inherits elite weapons but offers limited rushing upside, while Chase and Tee Higgins slide into high-variance WR2 territory. Expect an uptick in carries for Joe Mixon as Cincinnati leans on the ground game. Possible return timeline Grade 3 turf toe typically requires 10-12 weeks of recovery, placing Burrow’s earliest return in mid-December—Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Should complications arise, the Bengals could opt for season-ending injured reserve to preserve their franchise cornerstone for 2026. What’s next Burrow will undergo weekly imaging to monitor healing and is expected to begin pool work within three weeks, followed by light throwing sessions in roughly six weeks. The Bengals have not ruled out adding another veteran quarterback before the Oct. 29 trade deadline if the offense struggles. Search interest in Burrow’s health has surged nationwide as fans and fantasy managers track every update, underscoring just how central the former No. 1 overall pick is to the NFL’s playoff landscape this fall.