Joe Burrow
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Joe Burrow leaves Week 2 with an injury that could sideline him for the remainder of the season.
The Cincinnati Bengals face their biggest challenge of the season with star quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined. Burrow will undergo surgery on the torn toe ligaments he suffered in Sunday’s 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In an interview with ESPN, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino spoke about the impact of losing a franchise player.
“It’s tough, you know, that’s the guy you’ve been relying on, that’s your quarterback, that’s who you practice with each and every day,” Marino said. “And especially a guy like Joe Burrow, who is an exceptional player. To lose him is tough for any team. The other players around have just got to step up. The next guy in line, the backup, has to put the team in position to win football games. It’s a shame that he got hurt because he’s such an outstanding player.”
Burrow’s Injury History and Browning’s Opportunity
Things haven’t gone as hoped in Cincinnati in recent seasons. The Bengals have yet to win a Super Bowl and have missed the playoffs in three of their last five seasons. His health has played a significant role in those struggles. Burrow tore his ACL and MCL as a rookie in 2020, costing him much of that year. In 2023, he missed significant portions of the season with a wrist injury. Now, in 2025, he is again sidelined — this time with turf toe.
According to Fox News, turf toe involves ligament damage at the base of the big toe joint. Severe cases limit an athlete’s ability to push off, throw, and move in the pocket, making it particularly devastating for quarterbacks. Orthopedic specialists say surgery is often required in advanced cases and typically sidelines players for months.
Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Burrow is not officially ruled out for the year but declined to set expectations. “At least the next four weeks,” Taylor said on Wednesday, per CBS Sports. “Best I can give you.”
The burden now falls to Jake Browning, who replaced Burrow in Sunday’s win. Browning had an uneven day, throwing two touchdown passes but also three interceptions. He ultimately sealed the victory with a late 1-yard rushing score. At 29, Browning is no stranger to the job. He started seven games in 2023 when Burrow was out, completing 71.5 percent of his passes for 1,868 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions, while leading Cincinnati to a 4-3 record, according to Scott Erskine of CBS Sports.
That track record gives the Bengals some confidence they can stay afloat, even in a competitive AFC North. Still, the loss of Burrow leaves a massive void in leadership and star power from under center.
What’s Next for Cincinnati
The Bengals enter Week 3 at 1-1 and will travel to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Cincinnati will lean heavily on Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and running back Chase Brown to ease Browning’s transition. The defense will also need to tighten up after allowing 27 points to Jacksonville.
Marino’s comments highlight the reality: no one can replace Burrow, but the Bengals must rally if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive. Browning’s ability to limit turnovers and distribute the ball will be critical. Chase, Higgins, and the offensive line must carry more of the burden.
Cincinnati has been here before. In 2023, Browning proved he could keep the team in contention. The question now is whether that formula can work again over a longer stretch. Burrow’s latest setback is another reminder that the Bengals’ Super Bowl window hinges not only on talent, but also on the health of their franchise quarterback.