Joe Burrow’s turf toe led to immediate concern that surgery might be necessary. That fear has now come true - and a lengthy absence is on the horizon.

The Bengals quarterback went down Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, caught under defenders while escaping a sack. The result: torn ligaments in his left big toe, the one that carries most of the body’s weight for cutting and pushing off. He left in a walking boot and on crutches. An MRI confirmed the damage, and he is dealing with a severe grade 3 injury, per reports.

Multiple specialists were consulted, but the consensus is clear - surgery will be required if pain and instability persist, according to CBS Sports. Doctors will test his progress in three weeks with a steel-plated insert.

“When they test him with that steel plate, if

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