When is Joe Burrow coming back? Latest injury update, return timeline for Bengals QB
Another year, another significant injury for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrrow.
The Bengals' superstar quarterback sustained a Grade 3 turf toe injury in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, which will keep him out for an extended period of time. His absence is obviously a terrible blow for Cincy.
With Burrow sidelined, Jake Browning is taking the reins of the offense for the foreseeable future, but he has not played well in two-plus games. Despite that, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor hasn't wavered in his support of the veteran.
"I've got a ton of confidence in Jake," he said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I'm unwavering in that. I've seen the best of Jake. I know that we can do a great job supporting him to where he can go win games for us. So, I feel extremely confident in Jake Browning."
As for Burrow, here's the latest update on when Burrow might return.
When is Joe Burrow coming back?
Burrow's injury required surgery and the expectation is that he's going to miss at least three months. Burrow had the surgery on Friday, Sept. 17, and three months from then puts his earliest possible return at Week 16 (Dec. 21).
However, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer noted how difficult of an injury it is to come back from and he wouldn't be surprised if Burrow doesn't come back until the playoffs if the Bengals make it that far.
“They’re saying three months, I don’t see three months being an actual timeline,” Glazer said. “I think more so [Burrow has] a chance [to return] if they make the playoffs, but only because it’s Joe Burrow. Somebody else, I’d say no. But he has that Mamba Mentality, maybe yes. It’s such a difficult injury to return from.”
If Browning continues to struggle, it's very possible the Bengals will explore their options at quarterback, a list that includes Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins, all of whom were benched for younger quarterbacks.
Flacco was benched for Week 5 in favor of Dillon Gabriel, Wilson lost his job in Week 4 to Jaxson Dart and Cousins has been riding the pine since the Atlanta Falcons made the switch to Michael Penix Jr. last season.
For now, it looks like the Bengals are intent on sticking with Browning, though.
David Montgomery had himself a career-night against the Bengals. He Sparks Lions’ Explosive Road Win As Detroit Extends Streak to 4 In a Row
The Detroit Lions extended their winning streak to four games Sunday afternoon, rolling past the Cincinnati Bengals 37-24 at Paycor Stadium. The victory improved Detroit’s record to 4-1 on the season, marking their third consecutive win over an AFC North opponent following victories against Baltimore and Cleveland.
David Montgomery’s emotional homecoming stole the spotlight as the former Mount Healthy High School quarterback returned to his hometown for the first time in his 93-game NFL career. Montgomery didn’t disappoint the home crowd that once cheered for him, delivering both a rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown in a masterful dual-threat performance.
The Lions’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense proved too much for Cincinnati, despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt led by backup quarterback Jake Browning and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Key Takeaways from the Lions’ win
Montgomery’s Magical Homecoming Performance
Montgomery’s return to Cincinnati couldn’t have been scripted better. The versatile running back rushed 18 times for 65 yards and a touchdown while also throwing a perfect 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brock Wright. His touchdown pass marked just his second career passing attempt, showcasing the creativity that has made the Lions’ offense so dangerous.
Jared Goff’s Surgical Precision Under Pressure
Despite being sacked four times and hit seven times, Lions quarterback Jared Goff delivered a clinic in pocket presence and accuracy. He completed 19 of 23 passes for 258 yards and three touchdowns, posting a near-perfect 153.0 passer rating. Goff’s ability to find receivers despite constant pressure exemplified why Detroit’s passing attack ranks among the league’s most efficient.
Defense Creates Game-Changing Turnovers
The Lions’ defense forced three crucial interceptions that directly led to 14 points. Safety Kerby Joseph’s pick was particularly historic, giving him 20 career interceptions and tying Hall of Famer Ed Reed as the only safeties since 2000 to record at least 20 interceptions in their first four seasons. Cornerback Amik Robertson and linebacker Alex Anzalone also hauled in interceptions, showcasing Detroit’s opportunistic secondary.
Chase’s Explosive Fourth Quarter
Chase, the Bengals receiver, nearly single-handedly brought Cincinnati back with two spectacular touchdowns in the fourth quarter. His 64-yard scoring strike extended his NFL record to 13 career touchdown receptions of 60-plus yards since 2021. Chase finished with multiple touchdowns for the 11th time in his career, breaking a tie with Isaac Curtis for third-most 100-yard receiving games in Bengals history with 21.
Special Teams Field Position Battle
Lions punter Jack Fox dominated the field position game with surgical precision, dropping four punts inside the Bengals’ 10-yard line. His first three punts of the game all landed inside Cincinnati’s 10-yard line, tying an NFL record for most punts downed inside the 10 in a single half. The exceptional punt coverage kept the Bengals pinned deep throughout the first half, contributing significantly to Detroit’s early 28-3 advantage.
Historic Running Back Duo Continues Record Chase
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery both found the end zone, marking the 14th time both have scored touchdowns in the same game. This performance ties the NFL record for most games in which each member of a running back duo has produced a scrimmage touchdown. Gibbs caught a 20-yard touchdown pass while Montgomery added his rushing score, with the pair combining for 119 rushing yards.
Game Summary
First Quarter – Lions 7, Bengals 0
Detroit struck first when Jared Goff found tight end Sam LaPorta for a touchdown, capping an efficient opening drive. The Lions’ defense immediately answered back, with Trey Hendrickson forcing a fumble that Logan Wilson recovered at Cincinnati’s 28-yard line. Detroit couldn’t capitalize on the short field, settling for an Evan McPherson field goal attempt that was blocked.
Second Quarter – Lions 14, Bengals 3
The Lions’ special teams excellence set up their second touchdown when Jack Fox’s 63-yard punt was perfectly downed at the Cincinnati 3-yard line. On the Bengals’ first play from scrimmage, Amik Robertson jumped a route for an interception at the 19-yard line. Four plays later, Montgomery threw his touchdown pass to Wright, extending Detroit’s lead. McPherson connected on a 50-yard field goal as time expired to cut Cincinnati’s deficit.
Third Quarter – Lions 28, Bengals 3
Detroit continued its dominance early in the third quarter when Montgomery punched in an 8-yard rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 28-3. Cincinnati finally answered with their first touchdown when Chase made a spectacular corner catch from Jake Browning. The Lions quickly responded with Isaac TeSlaa’s first career touchdown reception, maintaining their commanding advantage.
Fourth Quarter – Lions 37, Bengals 24
Chase opened the quarter with a touchdown catch, then added a spectacular 64-yard score to cut Detroit’s lead to 35-24. Derrick Barnes sealed the victory with a safety, sacking Browning in the end zone with 1:54 remaining.
The Lions travel to Kansas City and will play on SNF
Detroit travels to Kansas City next Sunday night for a marquee matchup against the Chiefs in what promises to be another stern test of their championship credentials. The Lions will face Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12th at 8:20 PM in a nationally televised showdown. Things do not get easier for Cincinnati, as they travel to Green Bay next Sunday.
