Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will undergo toe surgery and miss at least three months, thrusting Jake Browning into the starting role as Cincinnati searches for QB depth. With no active backup on the roster and Brett Rypien on the practice squad, the team is weighing free-agent options. Browning’s late-game TD heroics hint at upside, but fantasy expectations hinge on line play and play-calling while Burrow recovers.

Historically fragile at the position, Burrow’s absence coincides with a Bengals offense that has been under 20 PPG in recent Burrow-less stretches. The schedule and supporting cast will dictate Browning’s fantasy viability, making this a pivotal period for Bengals pass-catchers and for bettors tracking upside in a shortened window.