Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to coach Zac Taylor. Burrow has been dealing with a right calf injury that has limited his practice time throughout the week. Taylor stated that Burrow’s availability will be a game-time decision and that they will continue to monitor his progress.
Burrow was able to participate in a red zone drill during Saturday’s practice, wearing a compression sleeve on his right leg. This marked the second consecutive day that Burrow was able to practice in some capacity after being limited on Friday and missing Thursday’s practice altogether.
If Burrow is unable to play, Jake Browning is expected to make his first career NFL start. Browning, who has been with the Bengals’ practice squad since 2021, won the backup quarterback job during training camp. Taylor praised Browning’s self-confidence and stated that he has shown improvement throughout the week.
The 27-year-old Browning played college football at the University of Washington from 2015 to 2018. He has only thrown one pass in the NFL, which was an incompletion in Cincinnati’s Week 1 loss to the Cleveland Browns this season.
In an effort to bolster their quarterback depth, the Bengals worked out Trace McSorley and former Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron on Saturday. McCarron, who was drafted by Cincinnati in the fifth round of the 2014 draft, spent three seasons with the team. His most recent NFL season was in 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons, where he suffered an ACL injury in the preseason.
McCarron played for the St. Louis Battlehawks in the XFL in 2023, appearing in nine games and ranking second in total passing yards with 2,150. After his workout with the Bengals, McCarron reunited with former teammates Max Scharping and DJ Reader, who were with him during his time with the Houston Texans. Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who also played with McCarron during his first stint with the Bengals, expressed his excitement about seeing his former teammate.
It is likely that McCarron will assume the role of the team’s third quarterback. Earlier in the week, the New England Patriots signed Will Grier off Cincinnati’s practice squad, prompting the Bengals to bring in Reid Sinnett as a replacement. Sinnett provided depth during training camp while Burrow was recovering from his calf injury.
The Bengals are taking a cautious approach with Burrow’s injury, as they want to ensure his long-term health and avoid any setbacks. The decision on whether Burrow will play on Monday will be made closer to game time based on his progress and how he feels leading up to the matchup against the Rams.
In conclusion, Joe Burrow’s status for Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams remains uncertain due to a right calf injury. Jake Browning is prepared to make his first career NFL start if Burrow is unable to play. The Bengals have also worked out Trace McSorley and AJ McCarron to bolster their quarterback depth. The team will continue to monitor Burrow’s progress and make a game-time decision on his availability.