The Bengals are considering moving on from Jake Browning

The Cincinnati Bengals are in trouble—and it all traces back to the absence of franchise quarterback Joe Burrow.

Burrow suffered a toe injury earlier this season and is expected to be sidelined for up to three months, leaving the team scrambling to find stability under center.

Jake Browning struggles to fill Burrow’s shoes

In Burrow’s absence, Jake Browning has taken over the offense, but the results have been far from encouraging. In the Bengals’ latest loss to the Detroit Lions, Browning threw for 251 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. While the stat line looks decent on paper, much of it came in garbage time after Detroit eased up with a lead of more than two touchdowns.

Now, Browning’s future as the starter is uncertain. Head coach Zac Taylor made it clear that the team is evaluating all options. “We’ll see how things progress. Like all personnel decisions, we have to assess them carefully,” Taylor said. “Jake’s taken accountability for the outcome, and I have to do the same. We’ll keep moving forward day by day.”

What quarterback options do the Bengals have?

The Bengals have a few internal options to consider. Brett Rypien is currently the backup on the 53-man roster. Rypien has been in the league since 2020. He’s started four of the 11 games he’s played—three with the Broncos and one with the Rams. He’s the nephew of Super Bowl MVP Mark Rypien.

Then there’s Sean Clifford from the practice squad, Clifford started three games for the Green Bay Packers in 2023. At 27 years old, he’s still relatively untested at NFL level.

And lastly, Mike White, also on the practice squad, White brings the most experience of the three. He’s played in 15 games and started seven, making him a potentially more reliable option if the Bengals decide to shake things up.

With Burrow out until at least mid-December, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes may hinge on finding a quarterback who can steady the ship—and fast. The next few weeks could define their season.

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