Joe Burrow Toe Surgery Will Sideline Bengals QB for Most of 2025 Season

Joe Burrow will not play for most of the 2025 season. The Cincinnati Bengals confirmed the quarterback suffered a serious toe injury. He will have surgery and face a recovery time of at least three months.

The loss is massive for the Bengals. They opened the year 2-0 and looked ready for another playoff run. Now they must move forward without their star quarterback. According to ESPN, Jake Browning will step in as the starter.

How the Bengals Replace Joe Burrow

Burrow is one of the NFL’s biggest names. He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022. His accuracy and leadership shaped the team’s offense. Losing him for this long puts pressure on the rest of the roster.

Jake Browning now has the job. He has started in relief before and knows the system. But he does not have Burrow’s experience or playmaking ability. The team may explore other options if he struggles.

Some reports suggest possible trade targets. Names like Jameis Winston of the Giants and Kirk Cousins of the Falcons have come up. Other rumors include Kenny Pickett in Las Vegas. Still, trades are costly, and the Bengals must decide if it is worth the risk.

Impact on the Bengals Season

The AFC North is one of the toughest divisions in football. Without Burrow, Cincinnati faces a steep challenge. Their playoff odds drop sharply with him out until December. Stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins must adjust to a new quarterback connection.

The Bengals defense will also carry more weight. They will need to limit scoring to give the offense a chance. Head coach Zac Taylor must adapt quickly. Every decision will now matter more as the season continues.

Fans will remember Burrow has overcome injury before. He returned strong after tearing his ACL in 2020. Supporters hope for the same outcome again. But for now, Cincinnati must fight to stay in the race without their leader.

Joe Burrow’s toe surgery is a crushing blow for the Bengals. His absence reshapes the team’s 2025 season and puts their playoff hopes in doubt.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How long will Joe Burrow be out?

He is expected to miss at least three months after toe surgery, which covers most of the 2025 season.

Q2: Who is starting for the Bengals now?

Jake Browning will take over as starting quarterback while Burrow recovers.

Q3: Could the Bengals trade for another quarterback?

Yes. Players like Jameis Winston and Kirk Cousins have been linked, but no deal is confirmed.

Q4: Has Joe Burrow dealt with injuries before?

Yes. He missed most of his rookie season in 2020 with a torn ACL but came back strong the next year.

Q5: Can the Bengals still make the playoffs without Burrow?

It will be very difficult in the AFC North. Success depends on Jake Browning and the defense stepping up.