Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s 2025 campaign has been thrown into uncertainty after undergoing surgery for a severe turf toe injury. The setback has raised pressing questions: will Burrow return this season, or is his year effectively over? With the Bengals’ playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, his recovery timeline has become one of the most closely watched storylines in the NFL.
Burrow sustained a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2, forcing him out of action early. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the initial medical expectation is a lengthy absence of “at least three months.” The quarterback has already begun rehabilitation following surgery to repair the damage.
Possible return timeline
Based on the projected recovery window, Joe Burrow could potentially make his return by Week 16 (December 21) if everything progresses smoothly. That date would fall just before the postseason, leaving a narrow window for him to influence Cincinnati’s playoff push.
However, not all reports paint an optimistic picture. FOX Sports insider Jay Glazer suggested the three-month estimate may be overly ambitious. Calling it a “very aggressive” timeline, Glazer indicated Burrow might only see the field again if the Bengals secure a playoff berth. “It’s such a difficult injury to return from,” Glazer said, pointing out that while Burrow’s competitive nature could drive him to return early, the unpredictable nature of turf toe injuries makes his recovery far from certain.
Bengals’ struggles without Joe Burrow
In Burrow’s absence, the Bengals have turned to backup quarterback Jake Browning, who has started the last two games. While Browning has shown flashes of ability, his performances have been inconsistent, raising concerns about whether Cincinnati can remain competitive in the tightly contested AFC North.
The Bengals entered the 2025 season with Super Bowl ambitions, led by Joe Burrow’s playmaking ability. But without their star quarterback, offensive rhythm has faltered, and production has dipped significantly. Each week without Burrow increases the pressure, especially with division rivals Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns establishing strong records early in the season.
Balancing risk and long-term health
The central debate surrounding Burrow’s comeback revolves around whether the Bengals should take the risk of rushing him back. Medical experts warn that turf toe injuries, particularly severe ones, can lead to reinjury and long-term complications if not fully healed. For Cincinnati, the decision will ultimately weigh the short-term pursuit of playoff success against Joe Burrow’s long-term career health.
What’s next for the Bengals?
For now, Burrow is expected to be sidelined for at least three months. A potential return in late December remains possible, but only if Cincinnati stays in contention and doctors give the all-clear. Until then, the Bengals must navigate one of the most challenging stretches of their recent history with their franchise cornerstone on the sidelines.