How long is Joe Burrow out? Toe injury timeline, return date, latest updates on Bengals QB

As the Cincinnati Bengals looked to start 2-0 on the season, facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, they had to deal with an unexpected blow.

Quarterback Joe Burrow left the game in the first half after getting sacked by his ankles. Burrow appeared to suffer an injury to his lower body on the play as he needed assistance getting off the field.

Joe Burrow stayed down after a sack with trainers focusing on his ankle. He's headed to the medical tent. pic.twitter.com/nRwKaiK1wj

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 14, 2025

The injury wound up being more serious than initially feared, casting a cloud over the remainder of the Bengals' 2025 season. To help mitigate Burrow's absence, Cincinnati moved to acquire veteran QB Joe Flacco ahead of Week 6 of the season.

Here's the latest on how much time Burrow will miss.

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What is Joe Burrow's injury?

Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in the first half of the Bengals' game vs. the Jaguars in Week 2. The Bengals gave Burrow an MRI during the game, and the quarterback came out of the MRI room with his left leg on a scooter to avoid putting pressure on it.

Source: Joe Burrow just finished in the MRI room. Was using a one-legged scooter to get back to the locker room with his left leg propped up as to not put any weight on it.

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) September 14, 2025

And after the game, Burrow was seen wearing a walking boot while using a crutch to help him walk.

Joe Burrow walking through the locker room in a walking boot with a single crutch right now.

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) September 14, 2025

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed that Burrow suffered a turf toe injury.

#Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who was ruled out Sunday with a toe injury, was diagnosed with turf toe, source confirms (as @FOX19Jeremy reported). pic.twitter.com/rRz5nplYjs

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2025

Burrow has had an extensive injury history, which includes missing significant time to finish the 2020 and 2023 seasons.

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How long is Joe Burrow out?

The turf toe injury is forcing Burrow to miss a "minimum" of three months, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Bengals QB underwent surgery for the Grade 3 turf toe injury. 

At this point, Burrow won't be able to return until mid-December, at the very earliest. 

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NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Burrow would have surgery on Friday, Sept. 19, if the swelling allows at Birmingham’s Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. The Bengals quarterback faces a three-month recovery after the surgery.

#Bengals QB Joe Burrow is set for surgery on Friday if swelling allows, undergoing the procedure to repair his Grade 3 turf toe at Birmingham’s Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center, sources say.

It’s also possible it gets pushed a few days. He faces a 3 month recovery. pic.twitter.com/LLC9YHNFws

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 18, 2025

Burrow had a successful surgery and has started his recovery.

On the Friday before Week 4, Burrow made his first public announcement since the injury, posting on Instagram.

“This game will break your heart. See you soon.” - Joe Burrow pic.twitter.com/osGSRY6iOg

— Sara Elyse (@SaraElyse128) September 26, 2025

It's still undetermined whether Burrow will return later in the season, but what is certain is that he will miss a long period of time. 

Bengals schedule 2025

Here are the remaining games on the Bengals' schedule: