As the National Football League’s (NFL) schedule begins rolling again, injuries are already popping up all over the map. From the Vikings quarterback (QB) J.J. McCarthy’s right ankle sprain to the Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ knee sprain, both in week two, there will be many backup players making an appearance in week three’s game on Sept. 21.
Not only are those two QBs out, but both the 49ers’ Brock Purdy and the Bengals’ Joe Burrow were injured in weeks one and two of the season due to an injury called turf toe. According to the Cleveland Clinic, turf toe is a stretch or tear of the ligaments, tendons and soft tissues of the big toe joint. Although it doesn’t sound as awful as a knee or ankle sprain, it can take up to two to six months to heal, which can be detrimental to their team’s season.
Purdy’s injury in week one was caused by a tackle from the Seahawks’ Julian Love which drove his left foot into the turf. Although he played the rest of the game and won, it became apparent after the game how severe his injury was. The 49ers announced that he would miss 2-5 weeks because of turf toe which would be classified as a grade two injury according to the clinic. With his absence, backup quarterback Mac Jones will take the field. As of now, Purdy is questionable to return to week three’s game against the Cardinals.
In contrast to Purdy’s injury, Burrow’s sack in week two left him in a more severe condition. In the Bengals’ game against Jacksonville, Arik Armstead tackled Burrow to the turf and in doing so, bent his foot backwards, causing him to suffer a grade-three injury according to NFL News. Based on the Cleveland Clinic’s definition of a grade three injury, Burrow will be sidelined for at least 2-6 months and longer if he has surgery. As stated by Bengal’s Head Coach Zac Taylor in an interview with ESPN, Burrow underwent a successful surgery Sept. 19 to repair the injury on his left foot. Taylor didn’t give an exact timeline for how long Burrow will be out but based on a X post made by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he will be recovering for at least three months. Backup quarterback Jake Browning finished the game against Jacksonville and will continue to play in Burrow’s absence, according to Yahoo Sports.
The injury that has wiped out two prominent QBs for the start of the 2025 season is no simple feat and a clear threat to their team’s season. Although Burrow will need a significantly longer recovery time than Purdy, it is uncertain when the exact return date for the 49ers’ star quarterback will be. According to the 49ers Webzone, in an interview with 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, he stated that he was very encouraged that Purdy was able to practice the week leading up to week three’s game and may have a solid chance to play on Sunday. Until the starting kick on Sept. 21, fans will have to wait and see.
