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Toe surgery to boot Bengals QB Joe Burrow until mid-December

Sun Sep 14 2:38pm ET
Field Level Media

Joe Burrow is set to undergo toe surgery after sustaining an injury Sunday vs. Jacksonville, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Monday.

Burrow is expected to be out for at least three months while recovering from Grade 3 turf toe, according to multiple reports. Taylor, though, was non-committal to a timeline, saying that the team is "still working through all of the details," of his procedure and how long he could be out.

The Cincinnati quarterback limped to the locker room in the second quarter of the Bengals' 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday with a Grade 3 turf toe injury and exited the stadium on crutches with a boot on his left foot.

The Bengals (2-0) visit the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday with Jake Browning, who threw three interceptions against Jacksonville, as their QB1. The upcoming schedule takes the Bengals to Denver in Week 4 and Cincinnati faces the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers in the first three weeks of October.

Cincinnati last won its first two games of the season in 2018.

Using a three-month recovery projection, it's possible Burrow could be a limited practice participant in early December and cleared to return from injured reserve for a Dec. 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens or a visit the following week to the Miami Dolphins (Dec. 21) in Week 16.

Burrow was injured with 8:36 left in the second quarter, while pointing toward his left foot. On a second-down pass play, the pocket collapsed and Burrow was trapped underneath.

The 28-year-old Burrow sat on the turf for a minute before getting up and receiving treatment in the medical tent. After five minutes in the tent, he began to make his way to the locker room under his own power before putting an arm on each shoulder of accompanying medical staff.

Burrow was 7-of-13 passing for 76 yards and a first-quarter touchdown pass to Ja'Marr Chase before the injury.

Burrow has completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 19,190 yards and 142 touchdowns to 46 interceptions in 71 career games. After recovering from a season-ending injury in the 2020 season, he was named Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 when he guided the Bengals to the Super Bowl. He received the award again last season, though the Bengals did not make the playoffs.

Browning replaced Burrow and was 21 of 32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns with the three picks. He also scored the winning touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 18 seconds left to cap a 15-play, 92-yard drive.

Browning, 29, started the final seven games of the 2023 season when Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury. He completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in nine appearances that season before re-signing in free agency to stay with Cincinnati.

Taylor expressed confidence in Browning during his Monday press conference.

"We have a ton of confidence in Jake. He proved that yesterday against what everybody's going to see as a good football team. ... Excited for Jake to go out there and play. He's earned the right to be in the spotlight. Guys will ride behind him."

"I feel very confident in Jake. He has proven his caliber in this league. He can help us win football games and contend for all the things we want to contend for," Taylor aid.

Veteran backup Brett Rypien is the third quarterback for Cincinnati, currently on the practice squad.

ESPN reported Cincinnati has started reaching out to free agent quarterbacks. Among the free agents are Desmond Ridder, who was with the Bengals for part of training camp, as well as Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Trask, and Nate Sudfeld. They also could look at a trade for a veteran quarterback -- Jameis Winston of the New York Giants and Case Keenum of the Chicago Bears are the third quarterbacks for their teams -- or cull the list of QBs on NFL practice squads.

Several practice squad quarterbacks have starting experience, including Tyler Huntley, Bailey Zappe, C.J. Beathard, Jeff Driskel, Sam Hartman and Trevor Siemian.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Player Notes
Zach Charbonnet Sep 17 6:20pm CT
Zach Charbonnet

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (foot) is dealing with a foot injury and picked up a DNP tag at the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. It's not ideal for Charbonnet to miss the first practice of the week, but it's unclear if his injury is serious enough to sideline him in the Week 3 game this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The 24-year-old is going to continue to have an elevated role in 2025 as Seattle looks to keep the oft-injured Kenneth Walker III healthy, which makes him a flex option for fantasy managers every week. Through two weeks, Charbonnet has 27 carries for 57 yards (2.1 yards per carry) and one touchdown. He hasn't had a single pass-game target. Walker would see a boost in workload this Sunday if Charb cannot play, while George Holani would be elevated to the RB2 role.

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Sep 17 6:20pm CT
Riley Patterson

Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson will continue to fill in for Jason Sanders (hip) for a third straight week when his team visits the Bills on Thursday Night Football. Patterson is on the Dolphins' practice squad but has been promoted for each of Miami's two games this season. He has converted both of his field-goal attempts and all three of his extra-point tries so far this season. However, he's only the K28 in RotoBaller's Week 3 rankings, since the Dolphins' offense has been so off this year and is in a tough spot to get back on track against the defending division champs in Buffalo. If Patterson continues to produce, he could earn a full-time role with Miami or another team later this season, but for now, he's not an elite option for standard leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tanner Conner Sep 17 6:10pm CT
Tanner Conner

Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner has been splitting time almost evenly with starter Julian Hill, as the duo works to replace Darren Waller (hip), who will miss his third straight game when the Dolphins take on the Bills on Thursday Night Football. While Hill is still without a target, Conner had four targets in Week 1, making two catches for 20 yards. He did not have a catch or a target in Week 2, though, as the Dolphins offense continues to not utilize either tight end in a pass-catching role. Conner is the TE43 in the RotoBaller rankings for this week, so you can probably do better than playing him in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Julian Hill Sep 17 6:00pm CT
Julian Hill

Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill has started each of the first two games for his team this season, while Darren Waller (hip) has been out. With Waller out again in Week 3 when the Dolphins face the Bills on Thursday, Hill will likely get plenty of time on the field once again. He played 51% of snaps in Week 1 and 58% in Week 2. However, all that time on the field hasn't led to any targets. His only contribution has been a successful two-point conversion catch in Week 1. Since he's not getting any looks from Tua Tagovailoa, he's a longshot play in Week 3, coming into the week as the TE45, well off the fantasy radar in all formats, except potentially as a DFS Thursday night contest dart throw.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 17 5:50pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has been one of the few bright spots for the Dolphins this season, maintaining his status as a top running back play in fantasy despite his offense's struggles. This week, he is the RB9 in the RotoBaller Week 3 rankings as he takes on the Bills on Thursday Night Football. Achane hasn't been very productive on the ground this season, totaling only 85 rushing yards on 18 carries in his first two games, but he has made up for that with his work as a receiver. He has caught a total of 11 passes for 112 yards in his two games this season, finding his way to the end zone as a receiver in each contest. Whether the Dolphins play from ahead or have to go pass-heavy playing from behind, Achane should remain very involved and is a safe play with a high ceiling against the Bills as the Dolphins look to avoid slipping to 0-3.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 17 5:50pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) was listed as limited for the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Godwin made his first appearance at practice this year last Thursday and was limited then, too, before sitting out on Friday. It's a good sign that the 29-year-old is limited to begin the week, but he is not expected to make his 2025 debut until sometime after Week 4 after dislocating his ankle in Week 7 of last year. Tampa is going to take things slow with Godwin, but he should be stashed in an IR spot in all fantasy leagues. Rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka has three touchdowns in his first two NFL games, but he could be in danger of missing Week 3 against the New York Jets after sitting out Wednesday's practice with groin and hip ailments. Sterling Shepard would operate as Tampa's No. 2 this Sunday if Egbuka is inactive.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Sep 17 5:50pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (knee) was able to put in a full practice on Wednesday before the Dolphins play in Buffalo on Thursday Night Football against the Bills. Wright is expected to be the primary change-of-pace and rotational running back with De'Von Achane when healthy. Wright had 15 carries for 249 yards as a rookie last year and added three catches for eight more yards. He is only a pickup in extremely deep leagues at this point until his role is clearer. Achane rotated with Raheem Mostert effectively for the last two seasons, but without Mostert, Ollie Gordon II has seen minimal work this season as a change-of-pace play. Gordon's role will likely be even more limited with Wright back, but Wright may have deep-league value or at least be a good handcuff for Achane if he gets enough work going forward.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 17 5:43pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) was limited during practice Wednesday, Sept. 17. The Buccaneers only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Godwin was able to return to practice last week but is still working his way back from a serious ankle injury. He will probably be eased back into the offense once he is cleared to play, so he is a risky fantasy option this week if he is able to play.

From TheHuddle

Baker Mayfield Sep 17 5:43pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (foot, toe) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 17. The Buccaneers only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Mayfield suffered some minor injuries during the Week 2 game but is expected to be available to play this week. He may be without one of his receivers in Week 3 but can still be a No. 1 quarterback in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Sep 17 5:40pm CT
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has operated as the team's No. 4 receiver so far this season, but he could move up the depth chart for Week 3 against the Bills, depending on the status of Jaylen Waddle (shoulder, questionable). Westbrook-Ikhine could potentially help fill the middle of the field in the absence of Darren Waller (hip) for a third straight week, but so far, his role has been minimal. He played 21 snaps in Week 1 and 16 snaps in Week 2. He was targeted multiple times in both games, finishing with one catch for seven yards in Week 1 and two catches for 18 yards in Week 2. If Waddle is out or limited, Westbrook-Ikhine could be very important for Thursday Night Football DFS contests as a bargain option. He's the WR102 in the RotoBaller Week 3 rankings, though, so he's still a ways from season-long relevance.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Sep 17 5:40pm CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (groin, hip) has been as advertised through his first two NFL games, but he's dealing with multiple injuries and was unable to practice on Wednesday as the team started preparations for a Week 3 contest against the New York Jets. Egbuka has been a very reliable WR2 across from Mike Evans early on with Chris Godwin (ankle) still sidelined, as he's caught eight of his 13 targets for 96 yards and a league-leading three touchdowns. It's unclear if the 22-year-old's injuries will threaten his availability for Sunday against New York, but fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his practice status the next couple of days. If Egbuka can play, he needs to remain in all starting fantasy lineups against a Jets defense that has underwhelmed through two weeks. If Egbuka is out in Week 3, veteran Sterling Shepard could be in play as a sneaky flex play.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Agnew Sep 17 5:33pm CT
Jamal Agnew

Atlanta Falcons WR Jamal Agnew (groin), CB A.J. Terrell (hamstring), LB James Pearce Jr. (groin) and TE Charlie Woerner (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 17. WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder), S DeMarcco Hellams (hamstring), LB Kaden Elliss (neck), OT Jack Nelson (calf) and WR Casey Washington (concussion) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Ladd McConkey Sep 17 5:30pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (biceps) is on the Week 3 injury report and was listed as a non-participant at Wednesday's practice. It could help explain why McConkey wasn't all that involved in the Monday night win over the Las Vegas Raiders, when he caught all five of his targets for 48 yards. In the season-opening win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the second-year pass-catcher caught six of nine targets for 74 yards. McConkey is a must-start each week in fantasy lineups if he's active, especially with quarterback Justin Herbert looking strong early in 2025, but his status will be worth monitoring going into Sunday's divisional tilt in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. If McConkey is unable to play this weekend, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston will both draw more targets, as will rookie Tre' Harris. The return of Allen and the emergence of Johnston, who has three touchdowns in two games, has certainly lowered McConkey's fantasy ceiling so far.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 17 5:30pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington had a huge punt return for a touchdown in Week 2 against the Patriots. Aside from that big play, the second-year receiver finished with only one catch for two yards on two targets and added three carries for 23 yards. However, his snap percentage ticked up from 58% in Week 1 to 61% in Week 2, while the rest of the periphery receivers all saw their snap shares decrease. Washington could be one of the key beneficiaries if Jaylen Waddle (shoulder, questionable) is limited or out on Thursday as well. The Dolphins really like Washington's playmaking ability, and they'll try to get the ball in his hands against the Bills on Thursday Night Football as they try to avoid a tough 0-3 start. Washington is only the WR91 in the RotoBaller rankings, so he's not anything more than a dart throw for DFS at this point, but he could work his way into a bigger role with more big plays like last week, especially if Waddle is limited or out.

From RotoBaller

Harrison Smith Sep 17 5:23pm CT
Harrison Smith

Minnesota Vikings C Ryan Kelly (concussion), QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and OT Justin Skule (concussion) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 17. LB Jonathan Greenard (oblique), OG Donovan Jackson (wrist), S Theo Jackson (hip), LB Austin Keys (groin), TE Josh Oliver (ankle), S Harrison Smith (illness) and LB Andrew Van Ginkel (concussion) were limited during practice. OT Christian Darrisaw (knee) and CB Jeff Okudah (concussion) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Xavier Legette Sep 17 5:20pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) had some hamstring soreness "kind of pop up" after individual drills in practice on Wednesday, so the team shut him down. Per the team's official website, Legette was listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report. However, if the 24-year-old is held out of practice on Thursday, he'll be in real danger of having to miss the Week 3 divisional meeting with the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. The 24-year-old had eight targets in the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals but caught just one pass for a two-yard loss. He had three grabs on seven targets for 10 yards in the season-opening loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The volume has been there, but the efficiency hasn't been for Legette and quarterback Bryce Young. If Legette is out this Sunday, Hunter Renfrow, who caught two TD passes in Week 2, will be more involved again with Jalen Coker (quadriceps) on Injured Reserve.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 17 5:20pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) was officially listed as questionable after he was limited in practice on Tuesday. He has been on and off the injury report with his shoulder issue all season, and it's possible the short week before Thursday's game is making it challenging for him to get his normal workload. In Week 1, Waddle had just four catches for 30 yards, but he and the whole Dolphins' offense looked better in Week 2, when Waddle had five catches for 68 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots. Waddle will be a fringy flex or WR4 play if he does give it a go despite his injury designation. He's the WR38 this week in RotoBaller's rankings and can be used if needed, although there are many better options, especially if his workload isn't clear.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 17 5:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will try to help his team avoid three straight losses to start the season on Thursday night, but he'll have a tough road matchup against the Bills. Buffalo's defense gave up a big game in Week 1 against the Ravens, but bounced back to shut down the Jets last week. The Dolphins' passing game struggled badly in Week 1 but bounced back with a much better Week 2. Tua threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw a critical interception and missed other key potential opportunities. The Dolphins' offense has looked off since last year, and on the road against Buffalo on a short week is a tough place to count on Tua figuring it out. Additionally, he could also be without Jaylen Waddle (shoulder), who is questionable. He's just the QB27 in the RotoBaller rankings this week, meaning even in two-QB leagues, he isn't a great starting option this week.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 17 5:10pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill bounced back with a better Week 2 against the Patriots, and he could be in for more targets in Week 3, depending on the status of Jaylen Waddle (shoulder, questionable). Hill had only four catches for 40 yards in Week 1 against the Colts, but looked much more explosive with six catches for 109 yards in Week 2 against New England. He still only had seven targets in that much-better game, and he could have ended up with even better totals if Tua Tagovailoa hadn't missed him in the second half when he was open deep down the field. With the Dolphins desperate for a win and potentially short-handed on playmakers, Hill could be set up for a big workload in Week 3. He's in a tough matchup against the Bills, but Buffalo let Zay Flowers go off in Week 1. Hill brings boom-or-bust potential in Week 3, and he's the WR25 in the RotoBaller rankings, setting him up as a strong flex option or WR3.

From RotoBaller

Braxton Berrios Sep 17 4:53pm CT
Braxton Berrios

Houston Texans CB Jaylin Smith (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 17. C Jake Andrews (ankle), WR Braxton Berrios (hamstring), WR Christian Kirk (hamstring), CB Kamari Lassiter (knee), S Jalen Pitre (rib) and DE Darrell Taylor (hip) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle