Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is reportedly expected to undergo toe surgery, which will sideline him for at least three months, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter Monday (September 15) morning.
"ESPN sources: Bengals QB Joe Burrow will need toe surgery that will sideline him a minimum of three months," Schefter wrote on his X account. "With Joe Burrow as their starting QB, the Bengals are 40-30-1 and average 25.3 points per game. Without him, they are 6-8 and average 19.9 points per game."
Schefter confirmed that the Bengals were "calling around to other free-agent quarterbacks" following Burrow's injury during Sunday's (September 14) win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, "knowing they will have to add at least one more to their roster."
Burrow, 28, was reportedly suspected to have suffered a Grade 3 toe injury requiring surgery, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday (September 14) night. The former No. 1 overall pick was ruled out of Sunday's Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars after suffering an injury during the second quarter.
Burrow was seen entering the sideline medical tent during CBS' live broadcast and replaced by backup Jake Browning, who scored a game-winning touchdown on a 1-yard run in the game's final seconds. The former Heisman Trophy winner was later seen being helped to the locker room during the following drive, appearing to struggle putting weight on his leg. CBS Sports sideline reporter Tiffany Blackmon confirmed that the Bengals' athletic staff had attempted to work on Burrow's ankle, however, acknowledged that there was no confirmation on his injury status at the time.
Burrow has had a history of injuries during his six-year NFL career, which includes a torn ACL, MCL and PCL as a rookie in 2020; a dislocated pinky finger in 2021; an MCL sprain in Super Bowl LVI in 2022; a calf strain during the 2023 training camp that lingered throughout the season and a torn right wrist ligament that ended his 2023 season in Week 10. The former Heisman Trophy winner threw for 76 yards and one touchdown on 7 of 13 passing prior to his injury.