The Cincinnati Bengals were eager to buck the trend of slow starts to the season that have contributed to the franchise missing the postseason in each of the last two seasons. So much so that the Bengals even put [star quarterback Joe Burrow at increased risk of injury](https://thecomeback.com/nfl/cincinnati-bengals-joe-burrow-playing-preseason.html) to get him into a rhythm ahead of the season.
“Bengals coach Zac Taylor tells reporters that QB Joe Burrow and other big name players will play several series on Thursday night and more in game two against the #Commanders. New way of doing it, with eyes on starting fast,” reported NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport during the preseason.
The plan seems to have worked to an extent, as the Bengals are 2-0 to start the season. Unfortunately, exposing Burrow to extra hits before the regular season began may have backfired, as the quarterback went down with a turf toe injury in Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“Bengals say QB Joe Burrow has a left toe injury and his return today is questionable,” [ESPN’s Adama Schefter](https://x.com/AdamSchefter) reported at the time of the injury.
After the game, there was some hope that Burrow could be back in a few weeks, depending on what was found after sending scans to a specialist.
“Sources: Images of Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury are being sent to noted foot specialist, Dr. Robert Anderson, to be reviewed. If surgery is deemed necessary, it would be expected to sideline Burrow three months. Burrow was in a walking boot and on crutches after today’s game,” Schefter reported.
Unfortunately, things came out worse than the Bengals were hoping for.
“ESPN sources: Bengals QB Joe Burrow will need toe surgery that will sideline him a minimum of three months,” Schefter tweeted.
IT’ll be interesting to see where Cincinnati’s season goes from here.