How did Joe Burrow get hurt? During the second quarter of the Cincinnati Bengals’ matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 14, 2025, Burrow suffered a painful left toe injury that forced him out of the game and left fans worried about his availability for the coming weeks.
Table of Contents
The Play That Changed the Game
The injury happened when Burrow dropped back to pass and the pocket collapsed quickly. Jacksonville defensive lineman Arik Armstead broke through and sacked the quarterback. Burrow’s left foot was caught awkwardly beneath the defender as he went down.
He immediately grabbed at his foot, visibly in pain, before trying to limp to the sideline. Trainers rushed to his side, and after a brief attempt to walk on it, he headed directly into the medical tent. Moments later, he emerged with a walking boot on his left foot and needed crutches for support.
Initial Diagnosis
Team doctors later confirmed the injury as turf toe with torn ligaments. Turf toe occurs when the big toe is hyperextended, often leading to ligament damage. It’s a painful condition that can significantly affect a quarterback’s ability to plant and throw.
The Bengals listed Burrow as “questionable to return” initially, but shortly after halftime, they ruled him out for the remainder of the game. Given the severity of the injury, the timeline for his return remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from a few weeks to much longer if surgery becomes necessary.
Burrow’s Performance Before the Injury
Before leaving the game, Burrow had completed 7 of 13 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. His early rhythm showed promise, and the Bengals were still within striking distance of the Jaguars when the injury occurred.
The sudden exit shifted momentum on the field, but it also brought the team together in an unexpected way.
Jake Browning Steps Up
Backup quarterback Jake Browning entered the game after Burrow’s departure and immediately faced pressure to deliver. Surprisingly, Browning rose to the occasion, throwing two touchdowns in the second half and orchestrating a 31-27 comeback win.
His performance provided a much-needed morale boost for the team, but it also highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the Bengals’ season if Burrow is sidelined for an extended period.
Why Turf Toe Is Serious for Quarterbacks
For quarterbacks, a toe injury isn’t just about discomfort—it directly impacts mechanics:
- Planting the foot: The big toe provides stability when setting up for a throw.
- Pushing off: Explosiveness in passing often begins with a strong push from the lead foot.
- Mobility: A weakened toe can make scrambling or escaping pressure extremely difficult.
Even with treatment, turf toe can linger if not given enough time to heal fully, which makes decisions about Burrow’s recovery timeline critical.
Coach and Team Reactions
Head coach Zac Taylor addressed the injury after the game but avoided setting any timetable for Burrow’s return. He emphasized the need for further evaluations, including imaging tests, before determining next steps.
Teammates expressed both concern and support. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase noted how difficult it was to see Burrow in pain but added confidence in the team’s ability to rally behind Browning if necessary.
The locker room mood reflected the balance of worry for their leader and pride in how the team pulled off the win despite adversity.
What This Means for the Bengals
Burrow’s injury raises immediate questions about the Bengals’ season outlook. With him under center, Cincinnati has consistently been a playoff contender. Without him, the road becomes far more difficult.
Key implications include:
- Short-term schedule: The Bengals face two division rivals in the next three weeks, matchups that could shape playoff hopes.
- Offensive adjustments: Expect more emphasis on the run game and quick passes if Browning remains the starter.
- Roster considerations: The team may explore signing a veteran quarterback as insurance depending on Burrow’s prognosis.
Injury Timeline Possibilities
Medical experts suggest several potential recovery paths:
- Mild case: Rest and treatment could see Burrow return in 3–4 weeks.
- Moderate case: Recovery could stretch to 6–8 weeks if swelling and pain persist.
- Severe case requiring surgery: This scenario would sideline him for much of the season.
The team has not announced which of these outcomes is most likely, but the walking boot and crutches indicate the injury is more than a minor sprain.
Burrow’s Injury History
This is not the first time Joe Burrow has faced significant injuries in his career:
- 2020: Torn ACL and MCL ended his rookie season early.
- 2023: Calf strain during training camp limited his mobility in early games.
- 2024: Played through minor rib and wrist soreness at different points.
His resilience has been praised repeatedly, but repeated injuries raise concern about long-term durability.
Fan Reactions
Fans flooded social media with messages of support, many using hashtags to wish him a speedy recovery. Some expressed frustration at the Bengals’ offensive line, blaming continued protection issues for exposing their franchise quarterback to unnecessary hits.
Others turned their attention to Browning, applauding his unexpected heroics and urging confidence in his ability to keep the team afloat.
Looking Ahead
The Bengals’ medical staff will continue to evaluate Burrow over the next several days. Expect more clarity once imaging results are finalized and swelling subsides. The team will need to balance urgency with caution—rushing Burrow back could risk aggravating the injury, while keeping him out too long could jeopardize playoff chances.
For now, the spotlight shifts to Jake Browning and the supporting cast as Cincinnati prepares for its next stretch of games without knowing how long Burrow will be sidelined.
Closing Thoughts
So, how did Joe Burrow get hurt? It happened on a routine sack that ended with his foot pinned awkwardly beneath a defender, leading to turf toe and ligament damage. While the Bengals pulled off a dramatic win without him, the road ahead will depend heavily on the severity of his injury and how quickly he can recover.
Do you think the Bengals can stay competitive without Burrow, or will this injury prove too costly for their season? Share your thoughts and predictions below.