Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow faces another significant period on the sidelines after sustaining a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. This latest setback, requiring surgery and an expected minimum three-month recovery, casts a long shadow over the Bengals’ season, who now turn to veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to steer their ship through a fiercely competitive AFC North.
The journey of a franchise quarterback is rarely smooth, and for Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, it has been particularly turbulent. Just as the 2025 NFL season was beginning to unfold, Week 2 brought devastating news: Burrow suffered a severe Grade 3 turf toe injury during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This injury, which occurred when he was tackled from behind and twisted to the ground, necessitated surgery and is projected to keep him out for at least three months, according to a report from USA TODAY Sports.
Burrow’s Recurring Injury History: A Troubled Trajectory
This turf toe injury is unfortunately not an isolated incident in Burrow’s career. Since being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, his path has been marked by a series of significant physical challenges.
- Rookie Season (2020): His promising rookie campaign was cut short by a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee, forcing him to miss the final six games.
- Preseason (2023): Prior to the 2023 regular season, Burrow suffered a calf strain during training camp. This injury, which coach Zac Taylor initially said would take “several weeks” to recover from, hampered him through the initial weeks of the season, leading to speculation and contract theories at the time.
- Mid-Season (2023): The most impactful injury of 2023 saw Burrow tearing a ligament in his throwing wrist during a Thursday night contest against the Baltimore Ravens. This season-ending wrist injury was confirmed by the Bengals the following day, ruling him out for the remainder of the 2023 campaign and highlighting concerns about his durability.
Fans have often discussed these recurring issues, wondering about the long-term implications for both Burrow’s career and the Bengals’ championship window, especially given his lucrative contract which ties him with Trevor Lawrence for the league’s highest AAV at $55 million.
The 2025 Turf Toe Diagnosis and Recovery Timeline
The latest blow to Burrow’s availability came in Week 2 of the 2025 season. The 28-year-old quarterback endured a “serious-looking injury” when tackled, leading to a Grade 3 turf toe injury, as reported by Yahoo Sports. This type of injury involves a complete tear of the ligaments in the big toe, requiring surgical intervention.
While the exact timetable for his return remains unconfirmed by the Bengals, the three-month minimum recovery period means the earliest he could return would be in December 2025. This long absence presents a formidable challenge for Cincinnati, who find themselves with a 2-4 record and a four-game losing streak following Burrow’s Week 2 injury.
The Bengals’ Immediate QB Solution: Veteran Joe Flacco Steps In
In response to Burrow’s season-altering injury, the Bengals moved quickly to bolster their quarterback room. They acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on October 7, 2025. This move positioned the 40-year-old Flacco as the immediate starter for the foreseeable future, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
Despite only joining the team five days prior, Flacco was pressed into action against the Green Bay Packers, completing 64.4% of his passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort. His experience, though from a long career with varying levels of success, is now crucial for the Bengals.
Navigating the Depth Chart and the Road Ahead
With Burrow out, the Bengals’ quarterback depth chart now looks as follows:
- Joe Flacco
- Jake Browning
- Sean Clifford (practice squad)
Jake Browning, who opened the 2025 season as Burrow’s primary backup, initially stepped in after the Week 2 injury, even leading the team to a victory over the Jaguars. However, his performance across three subsequent starts, where he completed 64.5% of his passes for 757 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions, ultimately led to his benching in favor of Flacco.
Sean Clifford, a 27-year-old Penn State product and a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, joined the practice squad after Burrow’s injury, securing the third-string role. He has yet to make an NFL regular-season pass.
The loss of Burrow, especially at 2-4, puts immense pressure on Flacco and the entire Bengals organization. Fans are keenly aware that their chances of contending in the highly competitive AFC hinge significantly on their quarterback’s ability to stay on the field. The focus now shifts from Burrow’s recovery to Flacco’s performance and the team’s ability to rally, hoping for a December return that could reignite their playoff hopes.
