Who Should I Start? Joe Burrow or Brock Purdy

Sunday, September 21, 1:20 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) has officially undergone surgery and is hopeful to make a return around mid-December, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. For now, Cincinnati will turn to backup Jake Browning in Burrow's absence and hope to stay afloat in time to make a run at the NFL playoffs. Burrow's injury was a tough one for fantasy managers, who drafted the QB to be an every-week starter and didn't even get two full games. A return could happen within fantasy playoffs, but managers are going to have to lean on their bench or a trade in the meantime.

Wednesday, October 15, 8:25 PM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) put in a limited practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers are hoping that Purdy can put in more work at practice this week, which could potentially give him a chance to return to starting duties in Week 7 on Sunday Night Football against an improved Atlanta Falcons defense. Purdy suffered a turf-toe injury in Week 1 and missed Weeks 2 and 3. He then aggravated his toe injury in his return in Week 4 and hasn't played since. Backup Mac Jones (knee, oblique) has played well in Purdy's absence, but there's no question that Purdy is San Fran's starter when healthy. Purdy will likely need to put in a full practice to avoid a questionable tag this week. If he's able to return, he could be getting star tight end George Kittle (hamstring) back from Injured Reserve, too. In his two starts, Purdy has averaged 24.2 fantasy points, which ranks fourth among all QBs in 2025.