Joe Burrow’s turf-toe injury has Bengals fantasy managers reeling as he lands on injured reserve with surgery likely. The left-toe issue benches him for at least three months, thrusting Jake Browning into an extended starting role after a victory that showcased two-way potential but plenty of volatility (241 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs, plus a rushing score). Cincinnati responded with depth moves, signing Sean Clifford and Mike White to the practice squad as they navigate quarterback depth ahead of Browning’s extended audition.

With Burrow out, the Bengals’ offense will test its adaptability: Browning may lean on a more compact passing game and a run-heavy script to protect young shoulders, while targets like Ja’Marr Chase could still carry heavy volume if Browning settles in. The 2-0 start provides a cushion, but dynasty and redraft projections will hinge on Burrow’s rehab timeline and how quickly the new depth pieces assimilate. Monitor this evolving QB map and Cincinnati’s schedule with care.

Down the line, the risk/reward tilts heavily toward the supportive pieces around Cincinnati’s passing game. If Browning stabilizes, Chase and teammates could regain weekly upside; if not, Cliff/White re-enter the picture and add a volatile ceiling for the offense. The Bengals must balance survival with growth as they chase a long-term recovery plan for their franchise QB.

The Jaguars’ Brian Thomas Jr. has hit a clear slump, hampered by a lingering wrist issue and a 4-for-12 day in Week 2 against Cincinnati. Jacksonville’s passing game hasn’t sprouted a clean, reliable alpha, fueling questions about Thomas’s ceiling this season. Fred Taylor weighs in on the psychological toll of high expectations, while coach Liam Coen notes a Trevor Lawrence misfire on a crucial play. The next few games will tell if Thomas can rebound to his rookie-season promise or if the offense pivots to other options.

Week 3 fantasy tight end pickups center on three players with clear week-to-week variability. Isaiah Likely is nearing a return for Baltimore and could push into usable target share if Lamar Jackson leans more toward the passing game; Brenton Strange faces a crowded Jaguars TE room that caps upside in many weeks; Jonnu Smith remains in a split-heavy Steelers offense where consistent weekly value is hard to lock in.

In shallow formats, Likely is the only name with a plausible Week 3 spike, while Strange and Smith belong in deeper leagues or biweekly-coverage plans. The waiver plays require patience, not panic, and weekly matchup awareness will determine who pays off.