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Joe Burrow needs toe surgery: What does it mean for the Bengals?
The Cincinnati Bengals are in some trouble. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Monday morning that Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo toe surgery and will be sidelined for at least three months.
The injury occurred during Sunday's Bengals vs. Jaguars game, which can be viewed with NFL Game Pass on DAZN (excluding the US and China). In the second quarter, Burrow was sacked by Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead. Other players then fell onto Burrow. He got up, took a few steps, and went back down. After being in the injury tent for a substantial amount of time. Burrow attempted to walk alone to the locker room but ended up needing help from the team's athletic trainers. Initially, Burrow was ruled questionable to return to action. Ultimately, the Bengals had ruled him out for the game.
Jake Browning came in to replace Burrow and did a good job, going 21 of 32 for 241 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. Browning led the Bengals to victory with a one-yard touchdown with 18 seconds to give them a 31-27 victory and start the season 2-0.
Browning will be the starter going forward, but they are in a world of hurt. Asking Browning to replace one of the best QBs in the NFL is an extremely tough ask. He played well on Sunday, but that was against the Jaguars. It will be a different story if Browning can do the same thing in their upcoming schedule against the Steelers (twice), the Packers, the Ravens (twice), and the Bills.
Brett Rypien will likely be the backup as he's been on the practice squad. Another quarterback is expected to be signed sooner rather than later, but the pickings are slim on the free agent market.
If the Bengals can just tread water and stay above .500, and Burrow comes back earlier than expected, they could have a shot at making the playoffs. However, that will require Browning to play above himself as he will have to play better and minimize his mistakes. And the defense is going to have to be more consistent and perform like they did in the second half on Sunday.
Ready or not, it's Jake Browning time.
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