There was a lot of hype around Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals heading into the 2025 NFL season.
The 2024 campaign didn’t go as planned, as they were slated to be one of the AFC’s best teams, but fell short of their goals after a slow start.
Many believed this was their year to get back on the mountaintop, hopefully being able to compete with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens.
While the Bengals are 2-0 after their gritty win over the Jacksonville Jaguars this week, it might have come at a cost.
Burrow got injured in this game, and while he was able to walk off the field, fans didn’t feel great about his outlook.
Their suspicions were correct, as Ian Rapoport recently reported that Burrow is dealing with a turf toe injury that’s believed to require surgery.
#Bengals star QB Joe Burrow is feared to have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury, one that would require surgery and put him out at least 3 months, per me and @TomPelissero.
Burrow is still evaluating options, but the ones that would keep him on the field are dwindling. pic.twitter.com/UqYZejRoLa
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 15, 2025
If that is the case, as Rapoport mentioned, Burrow could miss at least three months of the season.
This is devastating news for Bengals fans, as injuries were part of their downfall last year, and they’ve started out this year with more injuries.
At this point, all Burrow and Bengals fans can hope for is that Jake Browning can hold it down as backup QB while Burrow is out, leaving the record in a manageable place for him to take over when he is healthy.
Otherwise, this could be another frustrating season in Cincinnati, a team that’s spent a lot on its offense trying to make it among the best in football.