Joe Burrow to Undergo Toe Surgery, Expected to Miss Three Months

In a significant blow to the Cincinnati Bengals, quarterback Joe Burrow is set to undergo surgery on his toe, which will sideline him for a minimum of three months. The news was confirmed by Bengals head coach Zac Taylor on Monday, following reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Injury Details

Burrow sustained the injury during the first half of the Bengals’ recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The incident occurred when Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead sacked Burrow, resulting in a painful turf toe injury. After the play, Burrow was seen limping off the field but ultimately collapsed and required assistance from athletic trainers to reach the locker room.

Initially, he was listed as questionable to return to the game but was later ruled out. Post-game evaluations revealed that he would need surgery, and he was seen in a walking boot and on crutches after the match.

Impact on the Bengals

With Burrow expected to be out for a significant portion of the season, the Bengals will turn to backup quarterback Jake Browning as their starter. Browning stepped in during the game against the Jaguars and led the team to a dramatic comeback victory, scoring the winning touchdown with a one-yard leap just 18 seconds before the game ended.

Burrow’s absence will not only affect the team’s immediate performance but also impacts their overall season outlook. Since Burrow was drafted first overall in 2020, the Bengals have struggled when he is not on the field. In the 14 games that Burrow has missed since joining the team, the Bengals have recorded a disappointing two-game deficit below .500 and have averaged fewer than 20 points per game.

Burrow’s Injury History

Joe Burrow’s time with the Bengals has been marred by injuries. His history includes:

– **Torn ACL and MCL** in 2020, causing him to miss six games.
– A **dislocated pinkie finger** in 2021.
– An **MCL sprain** during Super Bowl LVI.
– A **calf injury** sustained in training camp for the 2023 season.
– A **wrist injury** in 2023 that sidelined him for seven games.
– The current **turf toe injury**, which will keep him out for at least three months.

This latest setback raises concerns about Burrow’s durability and the long-term implications for the Bengals as they aim for a successful season.

Team’s Quarterback Situation

As of Monday morning, the Bengals did not have another quarterback on their active roster besides Burrow and Browning. While Brett Rypien is on the practice squad, the team is actively seeking other free agent quarterbacks to bolster their options in light of Burrow’s injury.

With Burrow’s absence, the Bengals’ Super Bowl odds have taken a hit, shifting from 20-1 to 75-1, according to ESPN BET. Additionally, their playoff odds have changed significantly, dropping from -155 favorites to make the playoffs to +210 underdogs.

Burrow was also a strong contender for the regular-season MVP, with odds of 11-1. However, following the announcement of his surgery, he has been removed from the MVP betting board.

Conclusion

The Bengals now face a challenging period as they navigate the season without their star quarterback. Joe Burrow’s surgery and subsequent recovery will be critical for the team’s future, and fans will be watching closely to see how Browning and the rest of the roster respond to this adversity.

Key Facts

– Joe Burrow will undergo toe surgery and is expected to miss at least three months.
– Burrow suffered the injury during a sack by Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead.
– Backup quarterback Jake Browning will take over starting duties in Burrow’s absence.
– The Bengals have a poor record of two games under .500 in the 14 games Burrow has missed since being drafted in 2020.
– The Bengals’ Super Bowl odds have shifted from 20-1 to 75-1 following the injury news.
– Burrow has been removed from the MVP betting board after being a strong contender prior to his injury.

Source: www.espn.com