What is turf toe? What to know about Joe Burrow injury
Joe Burrow exits game after turf toe injury. Image Credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP
When Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a toe injury in the 2025 NFL season opener, many asked: What is turf toe? It’s a serious condition, especially when graded severe, that can sideline players for months. Burrow’s injury has now been identified as Grade 3 turf toe, potentially requiring surgery and putting him out for at least three months, likely pushing his return to mid-December.
What Is Turf Toe? Definition and Severity Levels
“Turf toe” refers to sprain of the main joint of the big toe, formally known as the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. It’s commonly caused when the toe is hyperextended, often during foot-planting or contact with synthetic turf surfaces, but can happen on any surface. The condition is graded based on severity:
- Grade 1: Mild stretching without tearing of ligaments.
- Grade 2: Partial tearing with swelling, pain, limited movement.
- Grade 3: Complete ligament tear, often associated with severe swelling, pain, inability to bear weight, and much longer recovery time.
Joe Burrow’s condition is being described as Grade 3 turf toe, which is the most severe form and usually requires more aggressive treatment.
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Joe Burrow’s Turf Toe: What Happened and Initial Diagnosis
Burrow’s injury occurred in the second quarter of the Bengals’ 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. While being sacked, he landed with pressure on his left toe, leading to immediate limping. Multiple players fell on him, and he was evaluated for several minutes in the injury tent. He attempted to walk but needed athletic trainer assistance and was eventually ruled out of the game.
Post-game, Joe Burrow was spotted on a walking boot and using crutches, which further suggests the severity of the injury.
Treatment Options: Will Surgery Be Required?
For Grade 3 turf toe, surgery is often necessary, especially when there is a complete ligament tear or joint instability. The diagnosis in Burrow’s case may require surgical intervention.
If surgery is done, recovery tends to be long. Conservative treatment (immobilization, rest, physical therapy) is possible for lower grades or less severe cases but might not suffice here. Given the reports, surgery seems likely for Burrow.
Expected Recovery Time and Return to Play
According to sources, if surgery is performed, Joe Burrow is expected to be out for approximately three months. Considering the timing of the injury (coming early in the season), the optimistic return would be around mid-December.
Grades 1 and 2 injuries may heal sooner, but Grade 3 often demands longer rest, physical therapy, and careful rehabilitation. Missing practices, preseason, or several games is common with this type of injury.
Implications for the Bengals and Burrow’s Status
- The Bengals had started the 2025 season 2-0, their best since 2018. Burrow’s absence flips momentum, as the offense must adjust without its star QB.
- Backup QB Jake Browning steps in; while he showed promise, the team will need to rely heavily on him until Burrow returns.
- Financial, morale, and playoff aspirations may be impacted: oddsmakers already adjusted the Bengals’ Super Bowl odds following the injury.
Prevention, Risks, and Long-Term Outlook
Players often try to prevent turf toe with strong footwear, taping, strengthening exercises for the foot/ankle, and limiting hyperextension. Despite this, synthetic surfaces or situations where weight lands on extended toes pose constant risk.
For Burrow, long-term effects depend on success of surgery, rehab, and avoiding reinjury. Proper care could lead to full recovery, but complications (pain, stiffness, reduced mobility) are possible without adequate rest and rehab.
