Burrow Out Months, Bengals' Offense Collapses

Joe Burrow underwent surgery to repair a severe Grade 3 turf-toe injury that includes torn tendon, ligament and capsule, and is expected to be sidelined at least three months, a timeline many consider optimistic. Analysts including Jay Glazer say a regular-season return is unlikely unless Cincinnati reaches the playoffs, and even then it is not guaranteed. The Bengals will turn to backup Jake Browning as their starter after he filled in following the injury. The loss of Burrow has compounded broader offensive problems: Cincinnati ranks last in rushing and recently suffered a 48-10 franchise-worst loss to Minnesota, prompting coach Zac Taylor to criticize the team's physicality and execution. Team medical staff are reportedly cautious about rushing Burrow back, and the injury has significantly worsened Cincinnati’s Super Bowl and playoff odds.