Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a grade three turf toe injury last Sunday and was placed on injured reserve this week. The toe will require surgery that is expected to keep him out for about three months. That means that a return could come by mid-December or so.
In an interview on Cincinnati Bengals Talk, Dr. Brandon Bowers of Athletico was asked if a return this season is even realistic.
“I think the 12 weeks that we’ve seen from the national pundits all across ESPN and other outlets, if everything goes perfect, I think 12 weeks can happen,” Bowers said. “If there’s any sort of hitches in the giddy up or snags along the way, I do think it takes a little bit longer than that. I think the Bengals also have to consider as they get later into the season to a week, 16, 17, and 18, what their playoff picture position is.
“And is it worth it if he’s close to ready or good enough to be ready to play? Is it worth it to trot him back out there if they’re on the cusp of the playoffs? But I think 12 weeks at minimum is accurate. I do believe it may take a little bit longer than that.”
Bowers doesn’t think Burrow’s chances of return are realistic
Burrow’s return will likely hinge on the Bengals record. If they are in position to make the playoffs and/or make a playoff run, he’ll remarkably be healthier than if the team is 2-13.
“I think it’s fair. I think the chance is just very small,” Bowers said. “Over the next 12 weeks, the timeline that was given initially, I think everything needs to go right for him to have a chance. If there’s any sort of setback in his rehab or something gets worse or something else flares up, then I think that 12-week timeline is out the window and we can put a bow on Joe Burrow’s 2025 season.
“If everything goes right, I don’t think it’s outside of the realm of possibility.”
It’s also fair to wonder what happens if it’s a 1972 Bob Griese situation with the Miami Dolphins. Earl Morrall started nine games in that undefeated season and the team still went back to Griese to finish the year. What if the Bengals are undefeated when Burrow can come back (they won’t be)? Stick with Browning or go back to Burrow? It worked 53 years ago, it can work again.
Another Dolphins Hall of Famer offers thoughts on Joe Burrow
Did someone mention Hall of Fame Dolphins’ quarterbacks? While Griese doesn’t deserve to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dan Marino definitely does. He dealt with his share of injuries and knows this is going to be a tough road for Burrow.
“It’s tough, you know, that’s the guy you’ve been relying on, that’s your quarterback, that’s who you practice with each and every day,” Marino said. “And especially a guy like Joe Burrow, who is an exceptional player. To lose him is tough for any team. The other players around have just got to step up. The next guy in line, the backup, has to put the team in position to win football games. It’s a shame that he got hurt because he’s such an outstanding player.”
The Bengals will travel to Minnesota this weekend to the play the Vikings at 1 p.m. on Sunday.