Joe Burrow teases return timeline as Bengals QB eases back from turf-toe injury

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has hinted at a possible return date from a turf toe injury that has plagued his season. The 28-year-old got injured in Week 2 during a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

He subsequently underwent surgery and has since been sidelined. However, the LSU alum returned to practice in a limited capacity on Monday, starting a 21-day window for him to leave the injured reserve.

The quarterback had his first press conference since he got injured on Monday, entertaining questions from reporters, especially about the schedule of his return. He said:

“We’ll see how these next couple weeks go. There’s a lot that goes into it. There’s a lot of variables that you have to consider.”

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The two-time Pro Bowler acknowledged the impact the team’s record will have on his return to action. The Bengals have lost five games in six since Burrow’s injury in Week 2. The team has trusted two quarterbacks to fill in since Burrow became sidelined, with Jake Browning initially holding the fort.

However, Cincinnati would later trade for 40-year-old Joe Flacco, who was having a difficult time leading the Cleveland Browns’ offense. Joe Burrow responded to questions about Flacco’s contribution in his absence, to which he answered:

“He’s playing great. He’s putting the ball where it needs to go. He’s been accurate with it, getting the ball out. The O-line has been playing great. We’ve been running the ball really well over these last couple of weeks. That’s been exciting to see.”

Joe Burrow’s injury history in the NFL

Joe Burrow has had his fair share of injury battles since joining the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick of the 2020 Draft. He missed much of 2023 with a wrist injury. Before that, an injury to his left knee after tearing his ACL in 2020 ended his rookie season.

He also had an emergency surgery to remove his appendix, missing the start of the 2022 season. A strained calf also impacted the start of his 2023 season.

Flacco is set to lead the Bengals’ offense again on Sunday when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran quarterback has been dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.

The Bengals have previously beaten the Steelers this season with a 33-32 scoreline. The team will be looking to repeat that feat when they face Pittsburgh on Sunday on the Steelers’ home turf.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi