Joe Burrow Injured as Jake Browning Leads Bengals to Victory Over Jaguars

Burrow Exits with Toe Injury in Second Quarter

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left Sunday's home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars with a left toe injury after being sacked in the second quarter. The star quarterback was taken down by defensive end Arik Armstead with 8:36 remaining in the first half, with additional players piling on during the tackle.

After attempting to walk to the sideline, Burrow went down on the field and required evaluation by the team's medical staff. He was ruled out for the remainder of the game in the third quarter.

Browning Steps Up in Clutch Performance

Backup quarterback Jake Browning took over and delivered a remarkable comeback performance, leading the Bengals to a thrilling 31-27 victory. The sixth-year veteran completed 21 of 32 passes for 241 yards, throwing two touchdown passes and three interceptions.

Jake Browning's Stats:

• Completions: 21 of 32 attempts

• Passing Yards: 241 yards

• Touchdowns: 2 passing, 1 rushing

• Interceptions: 3

• Game-Winning Play: Rushing TD with 18 seconds left

Dramatic Game-Winning Drive

Browning capped his performance by scoring the winning touchdown himself, diving over the pile to extend the ball across the goal line with just 18 seconds remaining on the clock. The clutch score completed Cincinnati's comeback and gave them their first home victory of the season.

Burrow's Injury History Raises Concerns

The toe injury adds to Burrow's lengthy medical history, which includes previous season-ending knee and wrist injuries. However, the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year had shown remarkable durability last season, playing all 17 games while leading the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns.

Burrow's Recent Success:

• 2024 Season: All 17 games played

• NFL Leader: Passing yards and touchdowns

• Award: 2024 Comeback Player of the Year (2nd time)

• Previous Surgery: Right wrist repair

Additional Injury Updates

The Bengals also lost rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart to a right ankle injury in the fourth quarter. Stewart initially needed assistance leaving the field but was able to walk to the locker room independently.

The extent of both Burrow's toe injury and Stewart's ankle injury remain unclear, with further evaluation expected in the coming days. Cincinnati's medical staff will likely provide updates on both players' status ahead of their Week 3 preparations.