The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff hopes took a devastating hit when Joe Burrow limped off the field against Jacksonville. They escaped with a 31-27 win but lost what the fans feared most. An NFL medical expert confirms their franchise quarterback’s 2025 season is essentially over.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is injured on a play in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. The Jaguars led 17-10 at halftime.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is injured on a play in the second quarter of the NFL Week 2 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025. The Jaguars led 17-10 at halftime.
NFL Doctor Gives Harsh Reality Check on Joe Burrow’s Return from Injury
Joe Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury to his left foot in the second quarter of Sunday’s win. For the unversed, the grade is the most serious level of the injury. He left the stadium on crutches in a walking boot. Reports indicate he’ll undergo surgery with renowned foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson.
Theofficial timeline suggests a three-month recovery, but that’s where reality gets harsh for Cincinnati. Dr. David Chao, former Chargers team physician, delivered the cold truth Bengals fans didn’t want to hear. “Three months is a very, very, very optimistic timeline for recovery,” Chaoexplainedin his assessment.
The reported three-month return timeline for Joe Burrow is very optimistic. While there’s some hope since the turf toe is on his front foot, this type of injury is effectively season-ending. pic.twitter.com/akIDn2zCzo
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) September 15, 2025
The veteran doctor broke down why this specific injury spells doom for Burrow’s season. The problem isn’t just the throwing motion. WhileBurrow injured his front foot rather than his plant foot, which offers slightly better odds, Chao emphasized, “You do more than throw as a quarterback. You have to drop back and be mobile.”
Chao compared the injury to bunion surgery, asking, “For those of you who know someone who’ve had bunion surgery, are they running around at three months? The answer is no.”
He noted the Grade 3 designation means tendons and ligaments are completely torn and retracted, with the sesamoid bones likely displaced. And unfortunately, all these require surgical repair.
His bottom line was very blunt: “We can keep hope alive because it’s his front foot, but this is essentially season-ending.” Those who had some lofty expectations regarding Burrow’s early recovery are all crushed now. It seems the doctor is likely advising us to prepare for a wait of over three months.
Previous NFL Turf Toe Recoveries Paint Grim Picture
History isn’t on Burrow’s side. When Patrick Mahomes suffered turf toe in 2021, he played through the playoffs before undergoing offseason surgery. But Mahomes had a less severe Grade 2 injury and still needed months of recovery post-surgery.
Research on NFL players with high-grade turf toe shows surgical casesaverage221 days before returning to play, over seven months. Even players who avoid surgery typically need 76 days.
With Burrow requiring surgery for his Grade 3 tear, the math doesn’t add up for a 2025 return. So, the Bengals’ fate is written to face the brutal reality and, quite frankly, their Super Bowl window just slammed shut for another year.