Joe Burrow’s Turf Toe: Impact on Bengals and QB’s Future

CINCINNATI — Following Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s departure to the locker room due to a toe injury during the first half of Sunday’s contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the prospects of a team aiming for Super Bowl contention were cast into considerable doubt.

Burrow was officially sidelined in the game’s latter portion, but the Bengals rallied to secure a 31-27 victory, marking their first 2-0 start in the past seven seasons.

Jake Browning assumed the quarterback duties, completing 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, accompanied by 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. He is slated to be the team’s starter for the near future, as ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that Burrow’s turf toe condition might necessitate surgical intervention, according to sources. Should surgery be deemed essential, Burrow is projected to be out of action for around three months.

Burrow has encountered injury challenges throughout his career. Notably, he sustained a season-ending right wrist injury in 2023, during which Browning filled in with a 4-3 record. Burrow participated in all 17 games in 2024, experiencing a standout season that earned him Pro Bowl recognition and placed him among the MVP finalists.

What are the ramifications of this injury for Burrow’s season? Moreover, how will it influence the Bengals, including prominent fantasy players like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins? Bengals beat reporter Ben Baby, ESPN senior writer and injury analyst Stephania Bell, alongside NFL fantasy analyst Matt Bowen, will examine the most critical questions.

How will the Bengals adapt to the potential loss of Burrow for an extended period?

If Burrow is unable to participate for an extended duration, Browning is poised to step in as the primary quarterback. Browning possesses considerable experience in this capacity. During 2023, when Burrow suffered a season-ending right wrist injury, Browning assumed the starting role for the remaining seven games, achieving a record of 4-3.

Browning managed to keep Cincinnati in contention for a playoff berth until Week 17 when the Bengals were eliminated following a defeat against Kansas City. Nonetheless, Cincinnati concluded that season with a 9-8 record and exhibited sufficient promise to prompt the Tennessee Titans to hire Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan as their head coach.

Browning spent his initial four years in the NFL as part of practice squads before transitioning to the backup position in 2023. Aiding Cincinnati’s offensive capabilities is the re-signing of Chase and Higgins during the offseason. Chase concluded Sunday’s game against Jacksonville with 14 receptions for 165 yards and 1 touchdown.

“We have prior experience with Jake,” Chase stated. “We must allow him to express himself. We must all encourage him to improve, encourage ourselves to improve, and execute.” — Baby

What is the specific nature of turf toe?

Typically, it entails a hyperextension injury affecting the big toe (causing the toe to extend beyond its normal range of motion), resulting in damage to the related ligaments and leading to a turf toe injury. The term originated during the early use of artificial turf when cleats would engage with the turf and remain fixed as the body’s weight shifted over the foot, forcing the toes into hyperextension. However, this type of injury can occur on any playing surface.

Given that the big toe is the final component of the body to leave the ground during push-off, it is particularly susceptible to potential strain. Players frequently describe the pain associated with this injury as akin to a nail being driven through the toe when attempting to push off.

The severity of injury to the supportive soft tissue structures surrounding the base of the big toe determines the extent of the condition. Excessive stretching leading to pain and inflammation, without structural damage, is considered a minor injury. Partial tearing of the ligaments, potentially with some degree of instability, is classified as a moderate injury. Both minor and moderate injuries are usually treated with rest and rehabilitation, typically healing on their own.

Complete tearing of the plantar plate constitutes a severe injury necessitating surgical intervention. The athlete loses the ability to push off the toe and experiences a decrease in strength throughout the foot. In cases of severe injury, failure to repair the plantar plate can result in an unstable joint, potentially leading to further degenerative alterations (arthritis) over time, making walking difficult. — Bell

What is the expected recovery duration?

The time required for recovery can vary based on factors specific to the athlete; however, generally, mild-to-moderate injuries may heal within several weeks, with the duration scaling according to severity, ranging from two to three weeks to six weeks or more. Surgical repair necessitates a more extended healing period, typically spanning 12 to 14 weeks — or longer — before clearance for return to play. — Bell

Are there unique considerations when a QB sustains this injury?

Whether it involves driving through the leg for throwing, retreating for pass plays, pivoting for ball handoffs, or, most importantly, maintaining sufficient mobility for self-protection, the big toe plays a critical role for a quarterback. The capacity to perform all facets of the position without limitations is paramount for a successful return.

Alterations to footwear, such as utilizing a more rigid shoe or incorporating a carbon fiber insert to restrict motion in the affected joint, are commonly part of the approach. — Bell

What influence will Browning have on the fantasy values of Chase, Higgins, and Chase Brown?

When Browning took over from Burrow in ’23, he recorded an average of 19.1 fantasy points per game. Known for aggressive passing, Browning will aim at tight spaces and attempt to deliver the ball to the defense’s third level.

This approach benefits Chase, who is expected to continue receiving a high volume of targets and possess a top-3 potential in weekly rankings. Higgins retains the capacity for breakout performances with Browning at quarterback, attributable to his adaptability in formations and vertical threat; however, Higgins will likely fall into the WR3 tier.

In the running game, Brown is slated to receive sufficient touches to remain in the RB2 conversation, while also possessing the characteristics to function as a short-range outlet for Browning through checkdowns and screen plays. — Bowen

Who will serve as Browning’s backup, and are there alternative options?

The Bengals currently have two quarterbacks on their roster: Browning and Burrow. Should Burrow be placed on injured reserve, Brett Rypien is the most probable candidate to fill the role of the team’s No. 3 quarterback. Rypien, aged 29, has participated in 10 NFL games since joining the league in 2020 and is currently part of the practice squad.

In this scenario, Cincinnati would still be one quarterback short of their typical season-long complement. If Rypien is added to the active roster, it creates a vacancy on the practice squad. However, if Burrow’s absence is anticipated to be short-term, the Bengals have the option of elevating Rypien up to three times before needing to include him on the 53-player roster.

Cincinnati has extensively evaluated its backup quarterback situation in recent months. During training camp, the Bengals released Logan Woodside and replaced him with Desmond Ridder. Ridder, selected in the third round of the 2022 draft by the Falcons, was released at the conclusion of the preseason and subsequently replaced by Rypien. — Baby