Joe Burrow Injury: How the Bengals Might Navigate Their Quarterback Dilemma

Joe Burrow Injury 2025: Bengals QB Options, Trades & Season Impact		Cincinnati Bengals face a QB dilemma after Joe Burrow suffers turf toe surgery. Explore potential trade targets, Jake Browning as backup, and how the injury could affect the 2025 NFL season.	Joe Burrow injury, Bengals quarterback, Jake Browning, NFL 2025, Kirk Cousins trade, Jimmy Garoppolo trade, Jameis Winston trade, Cincinnati Bengals news, NFL trade rumors, Burrow turf toe

The Cincinnati Bengals received unsettling news following their Week 2 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars: star quarterback Joe Burrow has sustained a serious turf toe injury that could sideline him for a significant portion of the 2025 NFL season. According to reports, Burrow will require surgery and is expected to be out for at least three months, leaving the Bengals facing a critical decision at the most important position on the field.

The Immediate Impact

Burrow’s injury came at a high point in the season, with the Bengals off to a 2-0 start—their best early-season record since 2018. His absence puts the team’s offensive continuity at risk, as Burrow has been central to Cincinnati’s dynamic passing attack featuring elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The challenge now is ensuring the team remains competitive in the AFC North while adjusting to a quarterback change mid-season.

Potential Trade Options

While the Bengals historically avoid mid-season trades—they’ve executed only two in the last 50 years—the urgency of Burrow’s absence opens the door to possibilities. Several veteran quarterbacks could provide a short-term solution:

1. Kirk Cousins – With over a decade of NFL experience, Cousins offers immediate stability. Despite a challenging 2024 season where he led the league in interceptions and missed games due to injury, Cousins has shown he can elevate a team with strong receiving talent. The financial commitment would be significant, however, with a base salary of $27.5 million for 2025, plus an option bonus looming in March.

2. Jimmy Garoppolo – For a lower-risk option, the Bengals could explore Garoppolo with the Los Angeles Rams. The former Super Bowl contender comes with experience in big games and a modest one-year salary of $1.25 million, making him an inexpensive temporary solution. While he hasn’t started extensively in the 2024 season, Garoppolo’s proven track record in high-pressure situations makes him a viable candidate to stabilize the offense.

3. Jameis Winston – The Giants’ former No. 1 overall pick presents an intriguing option. Familiar with the AFC North after his time with the Browns, Winston is known for his aggressive passing style. While his recent record includes mixed results, he could quickly integrate into the Bengals’ offense given his familiarity with similar systems and ability to connect with elite wideouts.

Sticking with Jake Browning

Another logical route is to rely on the current backup, Jake Browning. Browning impressed in Burrow’s absence during the Jaguars game, orchestrating a 92-yard game-winning drive that clinched a last-second touchdown. Having been with the Bengals since 2023, he has familiarity with Zac Taylor’s playbook, which could allow for smoother execution compared to integrating an external quarterback mid-season.

Browning’s prior performances demonstrate that he is capable of leading the team to wins. In 2023, he went 4-3 while Burrow was sidelined with a wrist injury, proving that the Bengals have confidence in his ability to manage the offense effectively. Zac Taylor highlighted Browning’s readiness, noting his knowledge of the playbook and ability to make protection adjustments on the fly.

Strategic Considerations

Choosing Browning as the starter allows the Bengals to maintain internal stability and avoid the complications of a mid-season trade. However, it also places a ceiling on the team’s championship aspirations, as a backup—even one as competent as Browning—may not elevate the offense to Super Bowl contender levels. If the team commits to Browning, it will likely need to strengthen depth at quarterback, potentially adding a third-string player to protect against further injury.

Looking Ahead

The Bengals’ next several games will be a test of resilience, depth, and adaptability. Whether they pursue a trade for a veteran quarterback or ride out the season with Browning at the helm, the team faces high stakes. With Burrow expected to be sidelined for months, Cincinnati’s ability to adjust could define their 2025 season and determine whether they remain playoff contenders in a competitive AFC North.