Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo toe surgery and miss at least three months, with a December 14 return possible if healing holds. Jake Browning steps in as the starter while Cincinnati surveys free-agent options behind him. Cincinnati sits 2-0 in the AFC North, but the absence shifts offensive expectations and betting lines as they head to Minnesota.

The team is navigating the top-level shift without its quarterback, aiming to hold the division lead as Browning gains real game reps and the organization weighs emergency depth. The scenario sets up a critical test for the Bengals’ offense and fantasy managers alike as December looms.