The Cincinnati Bengals' Super Bowl hopes have been dealt a devastating blow, with quarterback Joe Burrow facing a "minimum" of three months on the sidelines after a serious toe injury.
ESPN sources: Bengals QB Joe Burrow will need toe surgery that will sideline him a minimum of three months. pic.twitter.com/g8AiFectwX
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025
The star quarterback suffered a Grade 3 turf toe injury on his left foot during the first half of Sunday's victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While he has not yet had surgery, a number of experts believe it will be required, and the team is bracing for a long-term absence.
The news is a major blow for the Bengals, who had made a strong start to the season and were being tipped as genuine Super Bowl contenders.
The absence of their franchise quarterback for a significant period of time will put the team's entire season in jeopardy.
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The details of Burrow’s injury
The injury occurred when the quarterback's left foot got caught underneath him while he was being sacked by defensive end Arik Armstead.
The quarterback was seen on crutches and in a walking boot after the game, and a Grade 3 turf toe injury will likely require surgery and sideline the player for at least three months.
The injury is a serious one, as a Grade 3 turf toe involves a complete tear of the ligaments around the big toe joint.
The recovery process is a long and arduous one, and the team will have to prepare for the worst-case scenario of being without their quarterback for the majority of the season.
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What the injury means for the Bengals’ season
The absence of Burrow will have a major impact on the Cincinnati Bengals' season.
The team was off to a 2-0 start, and the team's Super Bowl odds have already taken a hit.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning will now take over at the helm, and the team will have to adjust its offensive game plan to fit his style of play.
Browning has had some success in the past, going 4-3 in seven starts in 2023 when Burrow was sidelined with a wrist injury.
The team will be hoping he can replicate that form and keep them in the playoff hunt.
However, the loss of their star quarterback is a major blow, and the team will have to find a way to overcome this hurdle if they want to remain in contention.