The Cincinnati Bengals are going to be without quarterback Joe Burrow for most of the season. What will the Bengals do at quarterback?
Joe Burrow Suffers 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
Say it ain’t so, Joe.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Burrow suffered a toe injury in the Bengals’ Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burrow needs surgery, and the rehab will keep Burrow out for a minimum of three months.
Burrow suffered the injury midway through the second quarter in Sunday’s 31-27 victory. Burrow left the game and never returned.
Jake Browning, who replaced Burrow on Sunday, is in line to start for the Bengals in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Burrow could return by the end of the season, but where the Bengals stand in the AFC playoff picture will determine if he rushes back to play or not.
Quarterback is the most important position in football, and Burrow happens to be one of the five best players at the position.
Statistically, Burrow had his best season as a pro in 2024. Burrow led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and passing touchdowns (43).
With Burrow under center, the Bengals boast one of the most high-powered offenses in the league. The Bengals are 40–30–1 and averaging 25.3 points per game when Burrow starts.
That record dips down to 6-8 without Burrow, while the offense only manages 19.9 points per game.
What Will The Bengals Do Without Joe Burrow?
"I don't think the season's over [for the Bengals]. I think Jake Browning is better than maybe a third of the starting quarterbacks in the NFL." 👀
—@richeisen on Bengals' backup QB Jake Browning
(via @RichEisenShow) pic.twitter.com/UlfoKGKtyQ
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 15, 2025
If Burrow is sidelined for three months, he could return by the Week 15 range.
For now, someone else will be playing quarterback for the Bengals.
Browning will get the first shot to start. In relief of Burrow, 21 of 32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.
The Bengals were down 27 to 24 with under four minutes left. Browning led the Bengals on a 15-play, 92-yard drive, capped off by a quarterback sneak touchdown to give the Bengals the lead with 18 seconds left.
Browning is 4-3 as a starter (all starts made with the Bengals).
Even if the Bengals like Browning to start until Burrow returns, the organization will need to add another quarterback to its roster.
Brett Rypien is on the Bengals’ practice squad. However, the Bengals will likely add another quarterback, preferably one with experience.
If the Bengals elect to sign a free agent, notable players they could consider include Desmond Ridder, Ryan Tannehill, Taylor Heinicke, and Kyle Trask.
If Cincinnati elects to make a trade, Jameis Winston and Kirk Cousins will be the names most mentioned.
The Bengals (2-0) travel to Minnesota to play the Vikings (1-1) in Week 3.
