Despite the Cincinnati Bengals’ win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday Night Football, things are looking cloudy over Paycor Stadium.
Putting a massive question mark on the Bengals offense for the coming weeks, quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury in the second quarter of the game Sunday. He was ruled out of the game, leaving fans worried about the team’s playoff hopes.
When Could Joe Burrow Be Back?
To add to that worry, on later on Sunday, the Bengals provided an update on Joe Burrow, saying that the 28-year-old LSU alum suffered a Grade 3 turf-toe injury which will likely require surgery. It will result in the quarterback missing at least three months, nearing almost half of the Bengals’ season.
What Is A Grade 3 Turf Toe?
A Grade 3 turf toe is the most severe form of turf toe injury. A turf toe becomes Grade 3 when a complete tear of the ligaments around the big toe joint happens. Severe pain, major swelling, bruising, and instability. Walking is difficult, and playing is impossible.
Bengals QB Roster: Can Jake Browning Do The Job?
As Joe Burrow was ruled out of the game, he was replaced by Jake Browning. The former Washington Huskies player is fairly experienced, having joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2019, followed by a move to Cincinnati in 2022. On Sunday, he completed 21 out of 32 attempted passes to go with two TDs. He raked in 241 yards with a completion rate of 65.6% – leading the Bengals to a win on Week 3.
Appearing for the post-game press conference, Browning called the wins against the Jaguars “gritty.”
“I had thrown three picks, and somehow we had a chance to win the game,” he said. “I can’t be afraid of the fourth in that situation. The defense did a good job forcing a turnover on downs, so I had to be delusional and aggressive, because the moment called for it.”
“You think you’re on the sideline, then you’re thrown in. That creates an emotional jump. You try to ride that wave and operate,” he added.