Is Joe Burrow out for the season? Bengals QB may be back sooner than expected
Joe Burrow missed Week 6 and will also sit out Week 7 as the Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday. When will the Cincinnati Bengals QB return?
Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow is recovering from a Grade 3 turf toe injury in his left big toe. He sustained the injury during the second quarter of the Bengals' Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14.
The 28-year-old underwent successful surgery on September 19 and was placed on injured reserve (IR) shortly after. He missed Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers and will also sit out Week 7 as the Bengals face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday.
Also Read: Jauan Jennings injury update: Will 49ers WR play in Week 7 amid 'broken rib' comment?
When will Joe Burrow return?
Some fans have expressed concern that Burrow may miss the entire 2025 NFL season. However, there is optimistic news: his recovery timeline suggests a potential return sooner than anticipated.
Burrow's injury is a Grade 3 sprain, indicating a complete tear of the ligaments around his big toe. Following surgery, his recovery is expected to take approximately three months, potentially allowing a return as early as Week 16.
In response to Burrow's absence, the Bengals acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, 40, in a trade with the Cleveland Browns ahead of Week 6.
Also Read: David Bell injury: What happened to Browns WR? 'I am announcing my retirement'
Brock Purdy injury update
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is also recovering from a turf toe injury, though his condition is less severe than Joe Burrow's. Purdy could potentially play in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons.
ESPN's Adam Schefter posted on X, "49ers QB Mac Jones, listed as questionable for Sunday due to an oblique injury, is expected to play vs. the Buccaneers, per sources. There is “a chance” that San Francisco’s regular starting QB, Brock Purdy can return for next week’s game vs. the Falcons."
