Joe Burrow continues to be the only solution to Patrick Mahomes fever in the AFC, but at least for now, it is set to be months until the quarterback can play again. At least, that is the understanding communicated by NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Speaking on a September 15 edition of "The Pat McAfee," the insider started the conversation regarding Burrow missing the rest of 2025, but potentially not the full season, due to his turf toe injury. The injury has kick-started an early-season quarterback quest for the Cincinnati Bengals.
"Joe Burrow has a turf toe injury that will require surgery. He will be sidelined for a minimum of three months. Typically, this is a 12 to 14-week recovery period from an injury like that," he said.
"That would mean that, if it was best case, the soonest he could be ready, as much as he might push, would be December 15, and very well could be into the new year before he's ready again. ... The Bengals have already been calling around to add another quarterback. That's from a depth standpoint. But the fact of the matter is, Jake Browning will be the guy, he's expected to be the guy," he added.
Browning threw for two touchdowns and three interceptions in relief of Burrow against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14 in a 31-27 comeback against Trevor Lawrence.
Possible Bengals quarterback fits to help after disastrous Hoe Burrow injury
If Jake Browning is set to be the guy, it means the Cincinnati Bengals likely won't go overboard with their search. One free agent that could create sense is Jeff Driskel, who is available with previous ties to the Bengals, having played there in 2018.
More recently, he spent time with the recently in 2023, which would give him at least some decent level of experience playing against the AFC North.