Two weeks into the NFL season, nearly 20 percent of the league's quarterbacks are nursing injuries with many expected to miss time. This week's NFL Injury Report focuses on the injuries of these signal-callers and their respective roads to recovery.
The big injury comes out of Cincinnati where Burrow suffered a significant big toe injury. The big toe of the foot comprises two joints, the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and the first interphalangeal joint. The first MTP is located where the bone of the foot meets the base of the toe. The area is fortified by multiple ligaments and a fibrous band of connective tissue known as the plantar plate. These structures can be sprained in an injury commonly referred to as "turf toe." The term turf toe surfaced because it commonly occurs when the foot is forced into hyperextension on the unforgiving surface of artificial turf. However, the injury can still be used to describe any hyperextension of the first MTP joint.
Burrow's injury is reportedly a Grade 3 sprain, meaning the plantar plate and other ligaments have torn. As a result, surgery is the recommended course of treatment but comes with an average time lost of 221 days, according to a 2021 study in the OJHMS. While that may seem surprising for an injury to a single digit on the foot, the first MTP joint is vital to weight distribution and force generation. It serves as a lever for pushing off and
Two weeks into the NFL season, nearly 20 percent of the league's quarterbacks are nursing injuries with many expected to miss time. This week's NFL Injury Report focuses on the injuries of these signal-callers and their respective roads to recovery.
The big injury comes out of Cincinnati where Burrow suffered a significant big toe injury. The big toe of the foot comprises two joints, the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and the first interphalangeal joint. The first MTP is located where the bone of the foot meets the base of the toe. The area is fortified by multiple ligaments and a fibrous band of connective tissue known as the plantar plate. These structures can be sprained in an injury commonly referred to as "turf toe." The term turf toe surfaced because it commonly occurs when the foot is forced into hyperextension on the unforgiving surface of artificial turf. However, the injury can still be used to describe any hyperextension of the first MTP joint.
Burrow's injury is reportedly a Grade 3 sprain, meaning the plantar plate and other ligaments have torn. As a result, surgery is the recommended course of treatment but comes with an average time lost of 221 days, according to a 2021 study in the OJHMS. While that may seem surprising for an injury to a single digit on the foot, the first MTP joint is vital to weight distribution and force generation. It serves as a lever for pushing off and jumping, and is sometimes exposed to forces as high as 70 to 100 percent of an athlete's body weight. Stabilizing the toe will be a key part of ensuring Burrow is able to extend his career.
The same 2021 study recorded a return-to-play rate of 80 percent for surgical cases, meaning Burrow is in for a lengthy recovery. While the initial estimated timeline is three months, that seems like a best-case scenario and more than two times quicker than the average player managing a similar injury. It seems more likely that Burrow is done for the year and will shift his focus to 2026. Jake Browning will take over as the starting quarterback for the Bengals.
This week's NFL injuries also include Purdy, who did not play in Week 2 after suffering his own turf toe injury in Week 1. The severity of the sprain has not been disclosed, but the fact that surgery is not being considered suggests it is a Grade 1 or 2 injury. The issue will improve with time, and the 49ers will likely modify and reinforce Purdy's cleats to help stabilize and protect the area upon his return. His status for Week 3 is unclear at this point, but it appears he's trending toward another absence. Mac Jones will get a second start in San Francisco and look to build on his Week 2 success that saw him finish with 279 passing yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Saints.
The Vikings quarterback is considered week-to-week after suffering a high ankle sprain in the team's loss to the Falcons. The type of ankle sprain noted here is important, as it varies from a "normal" lateral ankle sprain. A high ankle or syndesmotic sprain is diagnosed when stabilizing structures of the distal tibiofibular (tibfib) joint are damaged. The distal tibfib is formed where the distal (bottom) ends of the lower leg bones create a roof over the talus, one of the seven tarsal bones of the foot. The joint is supported by stabilizing ligaments and connective tissue known as the syndesmosis. When injured, often with forced external rotation and dorsiflexion, a high ankle sprain can occur. These injuries are more complex than normal ankle sprains, as the stability of the entire ankle may be impacted. In more moderate or serve high ankle sprains, surgery is necessary to stabilize the tibfib joint.
Fortunately, McCarthy's sprain appears mild, and surgery isn't currently being discussed. While other quarterbacks, including Trevor Lawrence and Patrick Mahomes, have played through high ankle sprains, a multiweek absence seems likely based on Minnesota's comments about the injury. Furthermore, the Vikings have a scheduled bye week in Week 6, setting up the possibility of a three-week absence that could result in four weeks of recovery. Carson Wentz would be the starter with McCarthy in street clothes.
The Commanders quarterback is dealing with a sprain of his own, though his involved joint is the knee. Daniels suffered the injury in the loss to the Packers, and an MRI later revealed the injury. The ligament involved was not revealed and could be one of multiple structures. The knee is stabilized by four primary ligaments, the cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) within the joint and the collateral ligament (MCL and LCL) located on either side of the knee. Each comes with its own unique complications and associated treatment options. There is also an articular capsule that surrounds the knee that can also be sprained. It doesn't sound like Daniels' injury is serious and Washington is currently labeling him "day-to-day." However, his availability remains fluid and he will likely need to participate in a normal practice without an issue before the Commanders feel comfortable playing him against the Raiders. Marcus Mariota will take over at starting quarterback if Daniels is sidelined.
Turf Burns
Josh Allen: A tackle late in the first quarter left Allen's nose bruised and bloody, but the Buffalo quarterback was able to return to play after getting treatment and missing just two plays. It has not been confirmed if Allen broke his nose, but he was not listed on Monday's injury report. If he can breathe normally and avoided a concussion, a nasal contusion or fracture shouldn't keep Allen off the field in Week 3.
Justin Fields: The Jets quarterback has been placed in the league's mandated concussion policy after he suffered the head injury in the same game in which Allen was injured. The five-step process is not associated with a definitive timeline, as concussion management is often distinct for each player. A return in one week's time is possible, but not probable, and it seems more likely Fields misses Week 3. Tyrod Taylor will start against the Buccaneers if Fields is out.
Aaron Jones: If losing your quarterback wasn't bad enough, the Vikings may also be without the lead running back in Week 3. Jones is expected to miss time with a hamstring strain. He has a history of lower-extremity strains, including multiple hamstring injuries. He most recently missed two weeks during the 2023 season with a similar issue, setting up the precedent for at least some sort of lost time. Jordan Mason will get the bulk of the carries if Jones does miss time.
Jayden Reed: The Packers wide receiver is headed to the injured reserve after he fractured his clavicle (collarbone) Thursday versus the Commanders. Surgery will be performed to stabilize the fracture site, and he is expected to miss six to eight weeks. While the injury is unfortunate, it will give him time to rest his already broken foot. Reed's absence opens the door for Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams to take over in the slot, with rookie Matthew Golden also in line for extra targets.
Austin Ekeler: The Commanders lost Ekeler for the year after the veteran running back suffered a torn Achilles in the loss to Green Bay. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt will take over as the primary running back, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez moving up the depth chart.
