Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow exited Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a left toe injury, casting a shadow over the team's promising start to the season. The injury occurred in the second quarter after a sack by Jaguars defensive tackle Arik Armstead, forcing Burrow to leave the field and head to the locker room. While the Bengals ultimately secured a 31-27 victory, the extent of Burrow's injury remains unclear.
Following the game, Burrow was seen leaving the locker room on crutches and wearing a protective boot. Head coach Zac Taylor offered little in the way of an update, stating that he didn't have all the information yet, leaving fans anxiously awaiting news on their star quarterback's condition. Teammate Tee Higgins expressed confidence in Burrow's resilience but acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the injury.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped in for Burrow, leading the Bengals to victory in a nail-biting finish. Browning, who completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, including two touchdowns and three interceptions, delivered a game-winning touchdown with just 18 seconds remaining. Despite his performance, the victory was overshadowed by Burrow's injury.
Burrow's injury history is a significant concern. Previous injuries, including a serious knee injury in his rookie year and a wrist injury in 2023, have sidelined him for extended periods. In Sunday's game against the Jaguars, he had completed just 7 of 13 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown before the injury. The timing couldn't be worse for the Bengals, who face a challenging schedule in the coming weeks, including five consecutive opponents who made the playoffs last season. Browning, who has a 4-3 record as a starter in previous games, will likely see increased playing time if Burrow's injury proves serious. The next few days will provide crucial updates on the quarterback's condition and its potential impact on the Bengals' season.
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Originally published at: https://apnews.com/article/bengals-qb-joe-burrow-injured-5f287dfefdeeff0683d835e921ccfcfc
