Joe Burrow Injury Update: When Can Bengals Fans Expect the QB to Return
Injury Setback for Bengals as Joe Burrow Expected to Miss Three Months
Joe Burrow’s Return: What Cincinnati Bengals Fans Need to Know
The Cincinnati Bengals entered the 2025 NFL season eager for a comeback after a lackluster 2024. However, their hopes were dampened early on when star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a significant foot injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tackled and twisted to the ground, Burrow needed assistance getting to the sidelines and was later taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Burrow sustained a Grade 3 turf toe injury, necessitating surgery and sidelining him for at least three months. This development has left fans wondering how the team will fare without their leading quarterback and when they might see him back on the field.
Backup Plan: Jake Browning Steps Up
In Burrow’s absence, backup quarterback Jake Browning has stepped in. Browning, now in his fifth season with the Bengals, has been the team’s primary backup for three years. His NFL journey has seen him post a 4-4 starting record with a 69.9% completion rate, throwing for 2,317 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Despite a rough 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in his first start of the 2025 season, Browning remains confident. “I feel very confident in Jake,” Coach Taylor remarked, expressing faith in Browning’s ability to help the team remain competitive.
Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Depth Overview
| Position | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Joe Burrow | Injured (est. return December) |
| Backup | Jake Browning | Active |
| Backup | Brett Rypien | Active |
| Practice Squad | Mike White | Inactive |
| Practice Squad | Sean Clifford | Inactive |
The Quarterbacks: Beyond Browning
Behind Browning, Brett Rypien stands ready to serve as the backup in Burrow’s absence. Rypien, with a mixed 2-2 record as a starter, has struggled with consistency, completing just 58.3% of his throws for 950 yards, four touchdowns, and nine interceptions.
Additionally, the Bengals signed veteran Mike White, an experienced journeyman, to provide further depth. White, who last started in the 2022 season with the New York Jets, boasts a completion rate of 61.4% over his career.
The youngest quarterback in the Bengals system, Sean Clifford, remains on the practice squad. Drafted in 2023 by the Green Bay Packers, Clifford has yet to start in the NFL.
The Bengals face a challenging period ahead, and all eyes will be on how they manage without Joe Burrow. With December being the earliest potential return for the star quarterback, the team’s playoff aspirations now rest heavily on the shoulders of their quarterback ensemble.
Stay updated with Emegypt for more NFL news and developments!
