Joe Burrow to Undergo Toe Surgery, Out for Three Months

The Cincinnati Bengals face a significant setback as quarterback Joe Burrow will be sidelined for a minimum of three months due to a toe injury requiring surgery.

Burrow, 28, suffered the injury during the second quarter of the Bengals' match against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14. After being sacked by Arik Armstead, Burrow found himself at the bottom of a pile, leading to the unfortunate injury.

Despite his efforts to walk off the field, Burrow collapsed after a few steps and was evaluated in the medical tent. He needed assistance to return to the locker room, where he was later seen using crutches and wearing a walking boot.

In Burrow's absence, backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped up, guiding the Bengals to a narrow 31-27 victory. Browning completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards and threw two touchdown passes, including a crucial rushing touchdown with just 18 seconds left on the clock.

“Jake’s been in there and done it with us before,” said Tee Higgins, a wide receiver who caught a 42-yard touchdown pass from Browning. “It was a no-brainer. We had faith in him to step in with no hesitation and no setbacks.”

Browning, who previously played at the University of Washington, has been with the Bengals as a backup for two seasons. He started seven games last season when Burrow was sidelined with a wrist injury.

“When he comes in, he wins ball games,” remarked Bengals center Ted Karras. “No fear, no panic, got it done. That’s my guy. I think he’s obviously a starter in this league. We’re blessed to have good depth there. It sucks we have to test it.”

Despite confidence in Browning's abilities, frustration lingered in the locker room post-game. Ja'Marr Chase, another wide receiver, expressed the heightened emotions among the team: “Emotions are very, very high right now.”

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor noted the team's resilience: “The resilient group found a way. It feels like that’s what this year is turning into already.”

The Bengals are set to return to action on September 21, facing off against the Minnesota Vikings in Minneapolis.