Cincinnati Bengals GM Duke Tobin will be busy finding Joe Burrow's replacement.
Getty
Cincinnati Bengals GM Duke Tobin will be busy finding Joe Burrow's replacement.
The Cincinnati Bengals escaped with a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-27 on Sunday in their home opener. What they couldn’t escape, however, was a major injury.
Quarterback Joe Burrow went down with a turf toe injury and didn’t return to the game. It looks like he’s not going to be returning for a whole lot more games, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the toe will require surgery.
“ESPN sources: Bengals QB Joe Burrow will need toe surgery that will sideline him a minimum of three months,” Schefter posted on X.
I guess it’s only season-ending surgery if you figure that the Bengals’ season will probably be over by the time he’s able to return some time in December.
How will the Bengals replace Joe Burrow?
On Sunday, quarterback Jake Browning was 21-32 passing for 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown. Those aren’t great numbers – mainly because of the three picks – and the Bengals will surely have to add another signal caller.
“The Bengals have been calling around to other free-agent quarterbacks since after Joe Burrow’s injury, knowing they will have to add at least one more to their roster,” Schefter posted on X.
Free-agent quarterbacks, huh? I mean, you should. The Bengals definitely will need to fill roster spots, but I think they should be way more concerned with who is going to be starting these games for the next three months. If they don’t find an upgrade over Browning, this will just be a lost season.
What other quarterbacks could replace Joe Burrow?
Browning started seven games during his rookie year for the Bengals in 2023. He wasn’t bad, completed 70.4% of his passes, went 4-3 and threw for 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. But, that was a couple of years ago and the Bengals are probably going to need more firepower over the course of three months if they hope to remain relevant.
So, who else is out there? Who should the Bengals call?
Atlanta Falcons: It would be absolutely shocking if Bengals’ Director of Player Personnel (he doesn’t have the official “general manager” title, which the Brown family probably did strategically to save $300 on some back-end pension stuff) Duke Tobin hasn’t already called Falcons’ G.M. (the Falcons don’t care, he already got the official title) Terry Fontenot about none other than Kirk Cousins.
It makes too much sense. Cousins is probably the only viable candidate on the market that could both save the Bengals’ season and not be a threat to Burrow. And, good news for the Brown family, he probably won’t cost a ton, although you can probably bank on the fact that Fontenot will probably look to bend good ol’ Mike over the barrel.
Philadelphia Eagles: Yes, some will suggest they look into Tanner McKee, but I wouldn’t. He’s young and on a sixth-round rookie contract with a ton of upside. You would only do this if you were looking for a long-term solution and moving on from Burrow. That’s not happening, so cross this off your list.
Cleveland Browns: Sure, give them a call. Which one do you want? Pick your favorite.
Indianapolis Colts: “Funny you should call, Duke! In the 2023 draft, we got this guy with the fourth-overa…hello? I think you dropped out, Duke. You in a dead zone?”