Gregory Shamus/Getty CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 07: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals walks off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns during the game at Huntington Bank Field on September 07, 2025 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

We finally have an injury update on and an official timeline for the potential return of Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on Sunday, Burrow underwent successful surgery on Friday to fix his serious turf toe injury and has the potential to return by mid-to-late December, if all goes well.

“[Burrow] is going to be out three months, as you guys mentioned, after that Grade 3 turf toe [injury],” Rapoport said on NFL Game Day. “As far as what is next for Burrow, my understanding is that because of the surgery, he cannot travel for the next two weeks, so [he is] not going to be physically with the team. He is out a minimum of 12 weeks, but he does, in fact, have a chance to return [this season].”

“It’s not guaranteed, if the Bengals’ season goes as they do not want, if it’s a struggle for the rest of the season, I wouldn’t expect him back. If [backup quarterback] Jake Browning — who was 4-3 [as a starter] in 2023, he’s going to complete a high percentage of passes, someone they have confidence in — if he keeps them alive [for the playoffs], Burrow could return.”

Rapoport also provided some information on who performed the surgery. “I am a noted foot and ankle expert,” Rapoport joked. “Just like Dr. Robert Anderson. [He is] not, by the way, who did the surgery on Joe Burrow. Dr. Norman Walgerman Birmingham performed the surgery on Joe Burrow, [he is] a disciple of Dr. Robert Anderson.”

How Did Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow Get Injured?

Kirk Irwin/GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 14: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is looked at by staff following an injury in the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on September 14, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

In the second quarter of the Bengals’ Week 2 game against the Jaguars, Burrow dropped back to pass and was almost immediately engulfed by the Jacksonville pass rush. One defender got his hands around Burrow’s ankles and managed to wrangle him to the ground. Burrow stayed down on the field for some time before being helped off and almost immediately went to the locker room. He was seen in a walking boot and using crutches after the game.

In his absence, Cincinnati will turn to backup Jake Browning, who started seven games for the Bengals back in 2023 when Burrow missed the latter half of the season. Browning threw three interceptions in two-and-a-half quarters of play against the Jaguars, but he got the ball out quickly and effectively executed Cincinnati’s offense, leading a comeback win to salvage the day.

The Cincinnati Bengals Wanted to Start Hot This Year

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the Bengals started 0-2 or worse each season. For whatever reason, the team started slow, losing games they shouldn’t have, and digging themselves a hole they couldn’t get out of it. Cincinnati missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons.

This year was supposed to be different. The starters played in the preseason, with the hopes of gaining some early momentum. It didn’t translate to a faster start, however. The offense is still struggling, mustering a mere seven total yards of offense in the second half against the Browns in Week 1.

However, the Bengals are 2-0 for the first time since 2021, a year in which they had the AFC’s No. 1 seed and went to the AFC Championship Game. It all feels for naught, now that Burrow will miss most of the season. But if Browning can keep them afloat, there’s hope they can get hot once Burrow returns at the end of the season.