Bengals’ worst Joe Burrow fears confirmed as star QB needs surgery

The Bengals will be without their star quarterback for a significant amount of time.

Joe Burrow will need surgery that will require him to miss at least three months after suffering what is believed to be a Grade 3 turf toe injury, along with torn ligaments, ESPN.com reported on Monday morning.

Burrow was seen in a walking boot and on crutches after the game and the Bengals’ worst fears were confirmed on Monday morning.

“3 months is very optomistic [sic]!” former Chargers NFL doctor David J. Chao said on X. “Surgery means end of season. Horrible news.”

ESPN reported that the Bengals have already begun calling around to free agent quarterbacks as they look for someone to take Burrow’s spot on the roster.

The Bengals, who ultimately won Sunday’s game against the Jaguars 31-27, will rely on backup quarterback Jake Browning to keep them afloat if and when Burrow returns.

Browning went 21-of-32 with 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions against the Jaguars’ defense, which was one of the worst in the NFL last season.

The Jaguars arguably should have won on Sunday, after a Browning interception set Jacksonville up with first down from the Bengals’ 12 while leading 27-24.

Jaguars first-year coach Liam Coen opted to go for it on fourth-and-five from the Bengals’ eight rather than kick a field goal to go up six.

Trevor Lawrence would throw an incompletion to Brian Thomas Jr., and the Bengals would go on to drive the ball downfield for a game-winning touchdown.

The Bengals, 2-0, prepare for their next matchup after the comeback, a trip to Minnesota, where they will face the Vikings on Sunday.