Cincinnati Bengals Announce Stunning Injury Update On QB Joe Burrow

Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks on on the sidelines during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Joe Burrow could end up returning to the Cincinnati Bengals sooner than expected.

The 28-year-old Joe Burrow has been sidelined since suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Initially, there was some doubt that he would return this season.

But in an encouraging development, the Bengals announced that Burrow returned to practice today in a limited capacity. As such, the 21-day period has opened where he can practice without taking up one of the 53-man roster spots, and the Pro Bowl signal-caller can be activated any time over those three weeks.

Per ESPN, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has already said Burrow won’t play in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, noting this is merely “Day 1” of the process for his return to football.

Joe Burrow had 189 passing yards and two touchdowns over his first two games before suffering turf toe. He also suffered season-ending knee and wrist injuries in the 2020 and 2023 seasons, respectively.

Bengals Offense Is Sorely Missing Joe Burrow

Sep 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) goes for the loose ball with Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Tyson Campbell (3) during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. (Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images)

After three lackluster starts from veteran backup Jake Browning, the desperate Bengals traded for Cleveland Browns signal-caller Joe Flacco. Though the 40-year-old has been an upgrade over Browning, there’s simply no replacing a top-five quarterback like Joe Burrow.

Get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google!

Last year, Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins formed an explosive offense that nearly guided Cincy to the postseason despite a horrific offensive line and defense. In two of Burrow’s three healthy seasons, the Bengals have played in a pair of AFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl.

Owner Mike Brown and de facto GM Duke Tobin have done a terrible job building a quality roster around their three offensive stars. Burrow alone can keep Cincy in the playoff race, but the Bengals will need Flacco to hold down the fort until No. 9 returns.