Toe surgery to boot Bengals QB Joe Burrow until mid-December
Sun Sep 14 2:38pm ET
Field Level Media
Joe Burrow is set to undergo toe surgery after sustaining an injury Sunday vs. Jacksonville, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Monday.
Burrow is expected to be out for at least three months while recovering from Grade 3 turf toe, according to multiple reports. Taylor, though, was non-committal to a timeline, saying that the team is "still working through all of the details," of his procedure and how long he could be out.
The Cincinnati quarterback limped to the locker room in the second quarter of the Bengals' 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday with a Grade 3 turf toe injury and exited the stadium on crutches with a boot on his left foot.
The Bengals (2-0) visit the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday with Jake Browning, who threw three interceptions against Jacksonville, as their QB1. The upcoming schedule takes the Bengals to Denver in Week 4 and Cincinnati faces the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers in the first three weeks of October.
Cincinnati last won its first two games of the season in 2018.
Using a three-month recovery projection, it's possible Burrow could be a limited practice participant in early December and cleared to return from injured reserve for a Dec. 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens or a visit the following week to the Miami Dolphins (Dec. 21) in Week 16.
Burrow was injured with 8:36 left in the second quarter, while pointing toward his left foot. On a second-down pass play, the pocket collapsed and Burrow was trapped underneath.
The 28-year-old Burrow sat on the turf for a minute before getting up and receiving treatment in the medical tent. After five minutes in the tent, he began to make his way to the locker room under his own power before putting an arm on each shoulder of accompanying medical staff.
Burrow was 7-of-13 passing for 76 yards and a first-quarter touchdown pass to Ja'Marr Chase before the injury.
Burrow has completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 19,190 yards and 142 touchdowns to 46 interceptions in 71 career games. After recovering from a season-ending injury in the 2020 season, he was named Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 when he guided the Bengals to the Super Bowl. He received the award again last season, though the Bengals did not make the playoffs.
Browning replaced Burrow and was 21 of 32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns with the three picks. He also scored the winning touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 18 seconds left to cap a 15-play, 92-yard drive.
Browning, 29, started the final seven games of the 2023 season when Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury. He completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in nine appearances that season before re-signing in free agency to stay with Cincinnati.
Taylor expressed confidence in Browning during his Monday press conference.
"We have a ton of confidence in Jake. He proved that yesterday against what everybody's going to see as a good football team. ... Excited for Jake to go out there and play. He's earned the right to be in the spotlight. Guys will ride behind him."
"I feel very confident in Jake. He has proven his caliber in this league. He can help us win football games and contend for all the things we want to contend for," Taylor aid.
Veteran backup Brett Rypien is the third quarterback for Cincinnati, currently on the practice squad.
ESPN reported Cincinnati has started reaching out to free agent quarterbacks. Among the free agents are Desmond Ridder, who was with the Bengals for part of training camp, as well as Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Trask, and Nate Sudfeld. They also could look at a trade for a veteran quarterback -- Jameis Winston of the New York Giants and Case Keenum of the Chicago Bears are the third quarterbacks for their teams -- or cull the list of QBs on NFL practice squads.
Several practice squad quarterbacks have starting experience, including Tyler Huntley, Bailey Zappe, C.J. Beathard, Jeff Driskel, Sam Hartman and Trevor Siemian.
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Minnesota Vikings C Ryan Kelly (concussion), QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and OT Justin Skule (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 17. LB Jonathan Greenard (oblique), OG Donovan Jackson (wrist), S Theo Jackson (hip), LB Austin Keys (groin), TE Josh Oliver (ankle), S Harrison Smith (illness) and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) were limited during practice. OT Christian Darrisaw (knee) and CB Jeff Okudah (concussion) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
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From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Kirk seems to have a good chance to play in Week 3 as long as he does not suffer any setbacks over the next few days. He showed a good connection with C.J. Stroud during training camp and should see a decent amount of targets if he plays. He can be a possible flex option in some fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
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From RotoBaller
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From TheHuddle
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Fantasy Spin: Ertz has caught a touchdown in each of the first two games and will likely be a popular target for Marcus Mariota if he has to start in Week 3. Ertz can be considered a low-end No. 1 tight end in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders RB Jeremy McNichols (hamstring) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Fantasy Spin: McNichols is in line for a bigger role since Austin Ekeler is out for the season, but fantasy players will need to see if he will be able to play in Week 3. He probably will share playing time with Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but players may want to see how he is used before considering him for their starting lineup.
From TheHuddle
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From TheHuddle
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From TheHuddle
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (groin, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Fantasy Spin: Head coach Dan Quinn has indicated that Brown is not expected to play this week, but fantasy players can check on his status later in the week to see if anything changes. Fantasy players should be able to find better options and can avoid Brown even if he is able to play.
From TheHuddle
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From RotoBaller
