when is joe burrow coming back

Joe Burrow is expected to return from his Grade 3 turf toe injury after a minimum of three months of recovery following surgery. The injury occurred in Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. If recovery goes well, Burrow could potentially come back around mid to late December, approximately Week 15 or 16 of the NFL season. However, this three-month timeline is considered optimistic, and there is a possibility his return could be delayed or he might miss the entire season if the Bengals' playoff chances are slim. The Bengals placed Burrow on injured reserve, and his return also depends on the team's competitive status going into the playoffs. Burrow himself has expressed his desire to return this season and has started rehab.