Joe Burrow‘s turf toe led to in a single day considerations about surgical procedure being obligatory. The Bengals passer will certainly take that route, that means a prolonged absence is in retailer.
Burrow is ready to bear surgical procedure on his injured toe, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. A number of opinions had been sought out earlier than this choice was made, however Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds there was a consensus amongst the consultants consulted. An absence of a minimum of three months is predicted whereas Burrow recovers.
Halfway by way of the Bengals’ Week 2 recreation, Burrow injured his toe whereas being sacked. The 2-time Professional Bowler was later seen on crutches and in a strolling boot. Burrow has a historical past of accidents all through his Bengals profession, and now his monitor report in that regard will broaden.
The 28-year-old is in peril of lacking many of the season, if not the remainder of the marketing campaign in its entirety. In consequence, Cincinnati’s outlook for 2025 has been dealt a blow. The crew is 2-0 following Sunday’s comeback win over Jacksonville, however backup Jake Browning will now be counted on to paved the way on offense. The Bengals’ protection confronted questions getting into the season – even with Trey Hendrickson‘s hold-in being ended through a increase masking 2025 – however that unit can be required to ship robust performances on a constant foundation transferring ahead.
Burrow has gained the Comeback Participant of the Yr award twice (2021, 2024), a an indication of his capability to bounce again from setbacks. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) final yr, and expectations remained excessive for Cincinnati’s offense with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins signing joint extensions this spring. Their futures are in place past 2025, and Burrow is on the books by way of 2029.
For now, consideration will flip to Browning and his capability to information the Bengals offense. The previous UDFA made his thirteenth common season look Sunday, all of which have include Cincinnati. Browning went 21-of-32 for 241 yards and a pair of touchdowns (whereas additionally speeding for the game-winning rating). He did throw three interceptions, nevertheless, so ball safety can be a precedence over the approaching video games. Throughout a seven-game span filling in for Burrow in 2023, Browning compiled a 4-3 report and a 12:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Browning is presently the one wholesome passer on the Bengals’ lively roster. Brett Rypien is in place on the follow squad, so it will be possible for him to be promoted within the close to future. Logan Woodside was with the Bengals early this offseason earlier than being lower in July. That transfer happened after Desmond Ridder was signed, though the previous Falcon and Raider was among the many crew’s remaining roster cuts.
To no shock, Schefter adds the Bengals are making contact with free agent quarterbacks figuring out Burrow can be sidelined for an prolonged interval. Ridder is available on the market, and he may very well be a (considerably) acquainted face for the group concerning an in-season addition. With over $12M in cap house, Cincinnati might afford a low-cost addition below heart. With Ridder or one other passer in place to again up Browning, nevertheless, the crew’s probabilities of reaching the playoffs can be decidedly lowered. Burrow, in the meantime, now faces one other prolonged restoration outlook.
