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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has become the latest high-profile athlete to suffer from turf toe, a condition that might sideline him for the rest of the 2025 NFL season. While it may sound like a minor injury to casual fans, medical experts explain why this painful toe injury is far more serious than it appears.
The Bengals announced that Burrow will miss at least three months after playing less than two games this season, leaving fans and fantasy football managers scrambling to understand the long-term impact.
What Exactly Is Turf Toe?
According to Dr. Tom Christ, a doctor of physical therapy and founder of Fantasy Injury Team, turf toe is more than just a sore toe.
“It’s a disruption of the tissues on the underside of the big toe,” Christ told Fox News Digital. “That area is critical because every movement—walking, running, throwing, even swinging a bat—relies on pushing off the big toe. Without it, you lose the foundation of power that starts from the ground up.”
When those tissues are damaged, the big toe can no longer act as a stable base. Even if Burrow could push through the pain, his toe would extend unnaturally into his foot, preventing him from generating the force needed to run or even walk properly.
Why Is It Called Turf Toe?
Despite the lighthearted name, turf toe can be devastating for athletes. Christ explained that the injury became common with the rise of artificial turf fields.
“Grass has some give, with dirt or mud underneath,” he said. “But turf doesn’t. In Burrow’s case, his cleat stuck in the turf, forcing his toe into a position it couldn’t handle. On grass, this injury might not have been as severe. That’s how turf toe got its name—because artificial turf led to more frequent and serious toe injuries.”
How Long Will Joe Burrow Be Out?
The Bengals’ early estimate suggests a minimum three-month recovery, but Christ cautioned that this timeline is “aggressive.” Still, he noted that Burrow’s injury involves his left toe, not his right, which could help since quarterbacks rely more heavily on pushing off their plant foot.
“Quarterbacks sprint less than most players,” Christ added. “They still need mobility, but it’s possible Burrow could return with reduced movement. Twelve weeks is aggressive, but not impossible.”
What This Means for Bengals Fans and Fantasy Football
Burrow’s injury leaves Cincinnati’s playoff hopes uncertain and fantasy owners searching for replacements. While quarterbacks are typically better positioned than wide receivers or running backs to return from turf toe, there’s no guarantee Burrow will be at full strength even if he makes it back by the holidays.
✅ Key Takeaway: Turf toe may sound minor, but it’s a significant injury that can derail an athlete’s season. For Joe Burrow, the next three months will determine whether he returns in 2025—or waits until next year.
