By Colby Colwell Yardbarker

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This is just the latest setback for Burrow, who has dealt with numerous injuries during his career up to this point. He missed six games in 2020 with a torn left ACL/MCL and was sidelined for seven games in 2023 with a right wrist injury.

It was not all bad on Sunday, though, as backup QB Jake Browning led the Bengals to the win, albeit while throwing three interceptions. This situation is also nothing new to him after previously serving as Burrow’s backup in 2023, going 4-3 with 12 TDs and seven interceptions.

He will have a full week to prepare for the Minnesota Vikings, who are also dealing with their own QB issues, but his past history suggests he will not be able to save Cincinnati’s season while Burrow is out.

The Bengals have a much bigger issue on top of the Burrow injury

While Burrow’s absence will certainly be felt, Cincinnati’s inability to protect its QBs continues to be a lingering issue. There is no denying the talent on the perimeter with wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the lack of protection from the offensive line is concerning.

On top of a defense that has been one of the worst in the league the past few seasons, Burrow was sacked 48 times last season, which was tied for the fourth-most in the NFL. With two more sacks on Sunday, Burrow continues to get no help when he drops back.

For the first time since Burrow became the starter for the Bengals, Cincinnati is 2-0. With him sidelined for at least three months and a struggling offensive line and defense, that success will likely not translate unless some improvements are made soon.