When will Joe Burrow return? Bengals QB injury status and recovery timeline
Cincinnati has struggled without their star quarterback, and fans are eager to know when Burrow could be back on the field.
The Cincinnati Bengals have endured a tough start to the season, hampered by a serious injury suffered by star quarterback Joe Burrow in the first half of their Week 2 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 14.
It was confirmed after the game that Burrow had sustained a Grade 3 turf toe injury when he was tackled from behind and twisted to the ground. The 28-year-old underwent surgery on Sept. 19, with the Bengals revealing he was expected to spend a minimum of three months on the sidelines.
No update on Burrow’s recovery timeline
No further updates on Burrow’s condition have been issued, which means that timeframe is likely still accurate. The best-case scenario could see the QB return to action in Week 16, when Cincinnati visits the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Dec. 21.
Head coach Zac Taylor will be hoping his team remains in playoff contention by that point, which would keep Burrow’s season alive. The signs, however, aren’t especially promising.
#Bengals QB Joe Flacco was asked why he’s still playing at age 40 — after making so much money, winning a Super Bowl, and having a young family — and his answer was perfect:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 10, 2025
“You only get a chance to play in the NFL once. I feel like I’ve worked really hard to be a guy that gets… pic.twitter.com/3Etf58GjAA
Bengals’ offense struggling without their star
Cincinnati opened the 2025 NFL season with wins in the two games Burrow appeared in, against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1 and the Jaguars the following week.
Since his injury, the Bengals have lost four straight, with their struggles highlighted by the fact that backup quarterback Jake Browning was replaced after three starts by veteran Joe Flacco. The former Super Bowl MVP was signed after a third consecutive loss, this one to the Detroit Lions.
Flacco’s debut ended in defeat to the Green Bay Packers, and the Burrow-less Bengals will have their work cut out in Week 7 when they host Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are off to a 4-1 start.
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