Joe Burrow
Getty
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 14: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is sacked in the first quarter of the game by Foyesade Oluokun #23 of the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left Sunday’s game with a toe injury and the initial diagnosis may sideline him for multiple weeks.
“Source: Joe Burrow is believed to have turf toe with torn ligaments,” Jeremy Rauch of Fox19 reported Sunday. “Tricky timeline on his return, but expectation would be several weeks.”
The Bengals improved to 2-0 with Sunday’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Cincinnati. While they may need to push forward without their franchise player for now, they avoided what could have been a season-ending injury.
Joe Burrow
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is helped off the field following an injury in the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Joe Burrow Has Been Running For His Life Out There
After the game, Burrow was seen in the locker room wearing a walking boot and using a single crutch — a clear cause for concern.
With 8:36 left in the second quarter, Burrow was sacked by Jacksonville defensive end Arik Armstead, leaving him trapped under fallen players.
Burrow initially tried to walk off the field but began limping and ultimately went down. He underwent an extended evaluation in the blue injury tent. After several minutes, he attempted to return to the locker room but had to stop about 15 feet short of the tunnel, relying on trainers for assistance.
It’s hardly surprising that Burrow was injured while scrambling to avoid pressure — a scenario that has played out repeatedly in his career. Yet time and again, the Bengals have failed to sufficiently bolster the offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback.
According to ESPN, Bengals’ center Ted Karris called the offensive line’s play “horrible.”
“We were not just winning enough of our 1-on-1s,” Karras said. “I thought we had a decent plan to attack some of their (defensive) fronts. But obviously not decent enough in execution.”
Joe Burrow Will Be Replaced By Jake Browning
Jake Browning and Ted Karras
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Jake Browning #6 and Ted Karras #64 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars following the game at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Burrow started the game completing 7 of 13 passes for 76 yards, including a touchdown and no interceptions, before being replaced by Jake Browning.
If Burrow is sidelined for an extended period, backup Browning will take over as the starter.
Browning has proven to be a capable backup in the past, though Week 2 exposed some inconsistencies. The Washington product threw for 241 yards and two touchdowns but also tossed three interceptions. Despite the turnovers, the Bengals managed to secure a 31-27 victory.
Sunday wasn’t the first time Browning had to step in due to injury. In 2023, he started the final seven games after Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury.
Before leaving the locker room on Sunday, Burrow took a moment to congratulate Browning on his performance in the win.
The Bengals are on the road next week Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.