Even in the midst of success, setbacks can strike — and that’s exactly what is happening to the Cincinnati Bengals. Fresh off two straight wins to start the NFL season, including a thrilling 31-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals were dealt a crushing blow when star quarterback Joe Burrow left the game with an injury.
According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero via X (formerly Twitter), early reports suggest Burrow may have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury. “Bengals star QB Joe Burrow is feared to have suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury, one that would require surgery and put him out at least three months,” Rapoport and Tom reported.
“Burrow is still evaluating options, but the ones that would keep him on the field are dwindling,” added Pelissero and Rapoport. This is devastating news for a Bengals team that had high expectations this season. Without their franchise quarterback, Cincinnati’s path forward suddenly feels far more uncertain.
What happened to Burrow?
Burrow went down after a sack by Arik Armstead midway through the second quarter. Armstead wrapped him up by the right ankle, and Burrow stayed on the ground for several moments before slowly getting to his feet.
Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is helped off the field following an injury.
He was initially treated on the field by Cincinnati’s training staff before heading to the locker room. Burrow tried to walk off under his own power but eventually needed the assistance of two trainers to make his way down the tunnel. The injury immediately shifted the tone of the game and cast a shadow over the Bengals’ promising start to the season.
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How Burrow’s backup performed
Backup quarterback Jake Browning took over with the Bengals trailing 14-7 and delivered a gutsy performance. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, threw two touchdowns, and was picked off three times.
Despite the turnovers, Browning led a dramatic 15-play, 92-yard drive that ended with a one-yard rushing touchdown with just 19 seconds left, sealing Cincinnati’s 31-27 win. The victory kept the Bengals’ momentum alive, but losing Burrow for any significant time would be a major setback for a team eager to rebound after missing the NFL playoffs in 2024.
