Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star quarterback, has spoken out following surgery on his toe that could potentially sideline him for the rest of the season. Burrow took to Instagram to express his mixed emotions about the game he loves, writing, “This game will break your heart. See you soon,” alongside a series of photographs.
Originally, it was expected that Burrow would miss around three months post-surgery for what was thought to be turf toe. However, recent reports by Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer indicate that the injury is more severe than initially believed, involving a full tear of a tendon, ligament, and capsule. Glazer mentioned that while the standard recovery timeline suggests three months, Burrow’s well-known determination and resilience—often referred to as “Mamba Mentality”—could potentially see him return if the Bengals secure a playoff spot.
With Burrow sidelined, backup quarterback Jake Browning has stepped up but has experienced mixed results. In their recent game, the Bengals suffered a heavy defeat against the Minnesota Vikings, with Browning completing 19-of-27 passes for 140 yards, including a touchdown late in the game. Despite his best efforts, Browning also threw two interceptions, highlighting the struggle the team faces without their star quarterback. Following the loss, Browning acknowledged the tough challenge ahead, stating, “We got worked today. We’ve got to sit in it. You’ve got to go through those emotions of just being miserable.”
Currently, Cincinnati stands with a 2-1 record and is gearing up for a crucial Monday night game against the Denver Broncos. The anticipation surrounding Burrow’s possible return adds a layer of intrigue as the Bengals navigate the remainder of their season, hoping to create a pathway for Burrow’s comeback, driven by his tenacity and the hope of a playoff berth.