Joe Burrow injury update: Why is Bengals QB not playing today and when will he return?
Joe Burrow sustained a Grade 3 turf toe injury during the second quarter of the Bengals' Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14.
Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow will not play in today's Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers due to a Grade 3 turf toe injury in his left big toe.
When Did Joe Burrow Get Injured?
Burrow sustained the injury during the second quarter of the Bengals' Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, 2025. He underwent successful surgery on September 19 and was placed on injured reserve (IR) shortly afterward.
When Will Joe Burrow Return?
A Grade 3 turf toe injury generally requires 3–6 months for full recovery. If Burrow hits the early end of that timeline, he could return as soon as Week 16.
However, some insiders are skeptical about such a quick comeback. FOX Sports' Jay Glazer cast doubt on the three-month projection.
“They’re saying three months, I don’t see three months being an actual timeline,” he said. “I think more so [Burrow has] a chance [to return] if they make the playoffs, but only because it’s Joe Burrow. Somebody else, I’d say no. But he has that Mamba Mentality, maybe yes. It’s such a difficult injury to return from."
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Replacement Quarterback
After Joe Burrow's injury, the Bengals initially turned to backup quarterback Jake Browning, who stepped in during the Week 2 win and started Weeks 3 through 5. However, the team struggled in his starts, going 0–3 during that stretch.
Looking to stabilize the position ahead of Week 6, Cincinnati acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, 40, in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. The 18-year NFL veteran and former Super Bowl MVP with the 2012 Baltimore Ravens has now been named the team’s primary starter while Burrow recovers.
"Joe is an experienced quarterback with a history of winning," head coach Zac Taylor said in a team statement. "He is a leader with a skill set that will fit our personnel well. He is a gifted passer with a strong arm, and we are excited to have him on our team."
