Bengals Bench Joe Burrow, Elevate AJ McCarron: Roster Shake-up in Cincinnati
In a plot twist fit for a sports drama, Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow has officially joined the injured reserve list, signaling the end of his season. This unfortunate development comes after a wrist injury dealt a blow to the team during their Week 11 clash with the Baltimore Ravens on November 16.
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Injury Saga Unfolds: Joe Burrow Hits Injured Reserve
Bengals coach Zac Taylor, delivering the news with a coach’s gravitas, mentioned on Friday that Burrow was destined for the injured reserve, making it as official as a weekend plan can be. Taylor, with a sprinkle of dry humor, added that the quarterback was “most likely” going to have surgery to fix a torn ligament in his wrist—ouch, both literally and metaphorically.
Wrist Woes: The Culprit Behind Joe Burrow’s Season-Ending Blow
Now, stepping into Burrow’s quarterback shoes (or rather, cleats) is Jake Browning, a familiar face in the Bengals’ lineup since 2021. Browning, who clinched the backup role for the season, is ready to take on the challenge of making his debut NFL start. AJ McCarron, making a comeback for a second stint with the club, has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s showdown against Pittsburgh (6-4). Talk about a quarterback shuffle!
Coach’s Insights: Zac Taylor on Joe Burrow’s Inevitable IR Placement
Burrow, the man of the hour, hasn’t let his injury dampen his spirits. He’s been spotted around the team facility in downtown Cincinnati all week, proving that even with a bum wrist, he can still lift everyone’s morale. Coach Taylor quipped, “He’s been around everything he’s supposed to be around. It’s good to have him out there. I think he lifts everybody up and provides value even when he’s not playing. Maybe he’s practicing his motivational speeches!”
Quarterback Shuffle: Jake Browning Steps Up as Joe Burrow’s Stand-In
This wrist injury is just the latest chapter in Burrow’s book of woes this season. The saga began on the second day of training camp when he suffered a strained right calf. Despite missing almost five weeks, he made a triumphant return for the season opener on September 10, only to reaggravate the calf a week later in a clash with Baltimore. It took until Week 5 for Burrow to regain his full strength, and just when things were looking up, the wrist injury struck.
Humor Amidst Adversity: Joe Burrow’s Impact Beyond the Playing Field
Adding a touch of suspense before the Week 11 game, Burrow was seen sporting a fashionable compression sleeve on his right wrist in a now-deleted social media post by the team. However, Burrow clarified that it was unrelated to the injury suffered in the Ravens’ game, where he felt a pop during a tackle by defensive end Jadeveon Clowney.
Talk about adding a little mystery to the mix! In numbers, Burrow had an impressive season before the injury, completing 68% of his throws for 2,309 yards and tallying 15 touchdowns with six interceptions. Post-Burrow era, the Bengals have signed Drew Plitt to the practice squad, ensuring they have three healthy quarterbacks in the lineup.
Stats and Struggles: Reflecting on Joe Burrow’s Season Before IR
And in a subplot twist, rookie running back Chase Brown makes a comeback to the 53-man roster after a stint on the injured reserve. The fifth-round pick out of Illinois had been sidelined since October 28 with a hamstring injury. Will he bring a fresh burst of energy to the team? Only time will tell in this unpredictable season for the Cincinnati Bengals.
