The Cincinnati Bengals have confirmed that Joe Burrow will require surgery on his Grade 3 turf toe, which will sideline him for a minimum of three months.
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Right when the Bengals finally started the season off strong with two wins, they got the news that the team’s most important player is now out indefinitely. It is truly tragic that Burrow has to deal with another major injury in his career, but a major organizational issue could be the chief reason for this.
It is not shocking that the Bengals have always had a suspect offensive line, but new data has been presented that showcases just how bad the unit has been with Burrow under center.
Bengals pass pro ranks since drafting Joe Burrow (pass block win rate, per ESPN research):
🏈2020 (29th)⁰🏈2021 (30th)⁰🏈2022 (30th)⁰🏈2023 (27th)⁰🏈2024 (32nd)⁰🏈2025 (28th)
Burrow has not played behind an offensive line that didn’t rank in the bottom quartile. pic.twitter.com/X7BgGllrCD— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 15, 2025
Per ESPN research and shared by NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Bengals’ offensive line has been in the bottom quarter of each NFL season since Burrow was drafted.
These figures are in pass protection, meaning that the line has crumbled under pass rushers pretty often with Burrow taking snaps. The highest place the unit has placed has been 27th out of 32 in the 2023 season.
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In this time, Burrow has suffered multiple major injuries, which Ari Meirov detailed:
•2020: Torn ACL/MCL/PCL/Meniscus (missed rest of season)
•2021: Dislocated pinky
•2022: MCL sprain
•2023: Torn wrist ligament (missed rest of season)
2025: Grade 3 turf toe (out 3 months)
Simply put, the Bengals have not invested anywhere near enough in the offensive line, and Burrow has been the person who has paid the price for this long-standing issue.
Now, in the prime of his career, he is set to miss at least three months while he awaits this surgery on his foot. Burrow put together an MVP-caliber season in 2024, but the team was unable to break through and make the playoffs.
The 2025 season could be the same, unless Browning can step up and completely lead while Burrow heals. Browning went 4-3 in his time playing in 2024, but more will be needed to ensure Cincinnati has a chance at the postseason come December.
Having a strong offensive line is the backbone of any good offense. It gives the quarterback time to throw, opens up running lanes, and protects the most important piece of any team.
The fact that the Bengals have constantly allowed the offensive line to be in the bottom quarter of pass protection is a glaring issue that needs to truly be addressed, or Burrow’s career will continue to be wasted.
For more on the Bengals and NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
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