The Cincinnati Bengals have a trouble issue on their hands, as backup quarterback Jake Browning has not lived up to expectations. He continues to throw costly interceptions, and the team is now 2-3 on the season.
With Burrow likely sidelined for multiple months, the team needs to find a new solution, and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor indicated the team could be looking to move off of Browning. The issue is that the Bengals’ quarterback room isn’t that great.
Apart from Browning, the Bengals have Brett Rypien. There are many options the team can explore, such as Jameis Winston, or possibly making a huge push to pull Kirk Cousins away from the Atlanta Falcons.
Now, it appears the Bengals are preparing to make such a move.
Per multiple reports, the Bengals have released Mike White from their practice squad. This would normally not mean much had it been during training camp or preseason, but making a move like this right could indicate the team is searching or has found a replacement passer.
The Bengals are 2-3, and if they want any chance at being playoff-ready by the time Burrow returns, there needs to be a major shakeup at the quarterback position. The AFC is loaded with talented teams, and Cincinnati is arguably one of those teams.
The issue is not having Burrow put the team in a terrible position. Browning did have a 4-3 record when he took over for Burrow in 2023, but he is now 1-2 in his first three starts in 2025. With eight interceptions through three starts, something needs to be done.
Cincinnati needs to make a major play at quarterback and the release of White could signal that they will do so before the week ends. This is speculation regarding the timing of landing a new signal caller, but releasing a quarterback is a move that can generally precede adding a new one.
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