Joe Burrow Injury Update When Will the Bengals Star QB Return
The Cincinnati Bengals are grappling with the implications of star quarterback Joe Burrow’s recent toe injury. This setback has raised questions about the team’s ability to perform in the upcoming games without their leading signal-caller. Burrow suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury while being tackled during their victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season.
Joe Burrow’s Injury Details
The injury occurred in the first half when Burrow was tackled from behind and twisted to the ground. After the incident, he required assistance getting to the sideline and was eventually taken to the locker room. Although he was not carted off, Burrow could not put weight on his injured left leg, leading to his quick removal from the game.
Expected Recovery Timeline
Burrow underwent surgery to address his toe injury and is anticipated to miss at least three months of action. The Bengals have not given a specific timeline for his return, but December is the earliest possible target if recovery goes well. The team’s performance during Burrow’s absence may also influence his return, as they currently hold a record of 2-4, having lost four games in a row since the injury.
Backup Quarterback Situation
With Burrow sidelined, Joe Flacco has stepped in as the Bengals’ starting quarterback. The team acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on October 7. He quickly adapted to his new role and played against the Green Bay Packers, finishing with 219 passing yards and two touchdowns despite the team’s loss.
Bengals Quarterback Depth Chart
- Joe Flacco (Starter)
- Jake Browning
- Sean Clifford (Practice Squad)
Prior to Flacco’s arrival, Jake Browning had been the main backup. He led the Bengals to victory in their first game after Burrow’s injury, but struggled in subsequent outings, resulting in his benching. Additionally, Sean Clifford, the youngest quarterback on the roster, joined the practice squad shortly after Burrow’s injury. He was previously drafted by the Green Bay Packers but has yet to make a regular-season appearance.
The Bengals now face a challenging period as they navigate the AFC playoff race without their star quarterback. Whether they can remain competitive will largely depend on the performance of their backup quarterbacks during Burrow’s recovery.
For the latest updates on Joe Burrow’s recovery and the Bengals’ season, stay tuned to Emegypt.
