Joe Burrow’s recent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his toe means he’ll be out for at least three months. This news hit the Bengals hard, but they didn’t waste time figuring out their next steps.
Right after Burrow’s injury during the game against the Jaguars, the Bengals began reaching out to free agents. Jake Browning stepped in to play for the rest of that game, and Brett Rypien is also on the practice squad.
Among potential free agents, Desmond Ridder stands out. He trained with the Bengals over the summer, which might give him an edge in adapting to their system. However, his past performances with the Falcons and Raiders didn’t inspire much confidence in his ability to lead a team.
Other available quarterbacks include Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Trask, and Nate Sudfeld. The Bengals may also consider adding someone from another team’s practice squad or even explore trade options.
Kirk Cousins, currently a backup in Atlanta, could be a name to watch. Jameis Winston and Case Keenum are each third-stringers on the Giants and Bears, while the Eagles have Sam Howell and Tanner McKee backing up Jalen Hurts. However, it remains to be seen if these teams are inclined to make changes at this stage of the season.
Quarterback injuries can shape a team’s future significantly. In a recent survey conducted by the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), nearly 60% of players believe that an injury to a key player disrupts team chemistry and performance. This insight emphasizes how important the right backup plans are.
As the Bengals search for a solution, they’ll need to think critically about who can step up. Football fans will be watching closely to see how this plays out and if the Bengals can maintain their momentum without their star quarterback.
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