Why isn’t Joe Burrow playing for the Bengals against the Broncos in Week 4? Cincinnati QB’s expected return date

Joe Burrow will remain unavailable to the Bengals for a significant period of time, as the quarterback recovers from a foot injury suffered in Cincinnati’s Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

In Burrow’s absence, which will be at least three months, backup QB Jake Browning will start under center for the Bengals, including this week’s trip to Denver to face the Broncos.

What injury does Burrow have? How long will he miss?

Burrow reportedly faces three months on the sidelines after sustaining a turf-toe injury in the Bengals’ 31-27 victory over the Jaguars on September 14.

What is turf toe?

‘Turf toe’ is the colloquial term for a metatarsophalangeal joint sprain - an injury affecting the big toe joint. Trauma occurs when ligaments, tendons and soft tissues in the joint are stretched or rupture.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Burrow had undergone successful surgery on the injury, per the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Burrow’s QB backup: what to know

Browning, who joined the Bengals in 2021, will make only his ninth career NFL start this weekend.

A player who was previously on the books at the Vikings, the 29-year-old also deputized for Burrow in 2023, starting in Weeks 12 to 18 after the two-time Pro Bowler was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a wrist injury.

Although Browning threw three interceptions after coming on for Burrow against the Jaguars, he proved instrumental in the Bengals’ comeback win at Paycor Stadium.

The former Washington Huskie threw two touchdown passes and led a game-winning, 92-yard drive before diving over the goal line with seconds remaining.

Speaking on September 17, Browning told reporters on Wednesday: “When I got thrown in there [in 2023], I progressively got better.

“I’m hoping to do the same thing by just having my routine throughout the week, and focusing on the right things to make the improvements that I need to.”

Bengals vs Broncos: when, where, how to watch?

In Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, the Broncos host the Bengals today, Monday September 29, at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15 p.m ET/5:15 p.m. PT.

ABC will be broadcasting Cincinnati vs Denver. You can stream the network’s coverage on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.

Bengals eye postseason comeback

Now in their seventh season under Taylor, the Bengals are 2-1 in 2025, as they seek to end a two-year absence from the playoffs.

Before defeating the Jaguars in Week 2, Cincinnati opened up their regular season with a 17-16 triumph over the Cleveland Browns. In Week 3, the Bengals got beat up by the Vikings 48-10.

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