Burrow will undergo surgery on a left toe and is expected to miss at least three months, forcing Jake Browning into a high-stakes starter role. Cincinnati sits at 2-0 but now faces a brutal stretch, with protection questions and a return timeline that will shape the offense around Higgins, Chase, and Browning.

Risner shouldered blame for the pivotal sack before the injury, while Browning showed some upside in relief—241 yards, two TDs, and a late go-ahead run. Cincinnati may add QB depth as it navigates a potential midseason reshuffle, and fantasy managers will watch how Browning steadies the unit and whether protection improves for targets with elite upside.

For fantasy players, Browning represents a real streamer option if he holds the job; Higgins and Chase could see elevated targets if the line holds, and the defense will be leaned on to carry more weight as Cincinnati tries to stay in the AFC playoff mix.