Bengals bolster quarterback lineup with strategic signings in light of Burrow’s injury
The Cincinnati Bengals are proactively addressing the significant void left by quarterback Joe Burrow, who is expected to be sidelined for up to three months due to a turf toe injury. With Burrow’s absence looming large, the team has turned its attention to fortifying its quarterback depth chart, which was notably thin beyond Jake Browning, who is set to step up as the starter.
As of Sunday, the only other quarterback on the roster was Brett Rypien, who had recently been on the practice squad. To strengthen their options, the Bengals made a decisive move on Tuesday by signing two new quarterbacks: Sean Clifford and Mike White.
New faces in the quarterback room
Sean Clifford, a former standout at Penn State, was most recently with the Green Bay Packers. Selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Clifford has had limited action in the league, playing in just two games during his rookie season. Notably, he completed his sole NFL passing attempt for a 37-yard gain.
Mike White brings a wealth of experience to the Bengals’ quarterback room. His most recent stint was with the Buffalo Bills, and he took the field during Week 18 of the previous season. White has also had a tenure with the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets, where he started seven games. Remarkably, his first NFL start was against the Bengals in 2021, where he delivered a standout performance, throwing for 405 yards and three touchdowns in a thrilling 34-31 victory for the Jets.
Browning at the helm until Burrow’s return
As the Bengals navigate Burrow’s recovery, Browning will likely hold the reins as the primary quarterback. With a 4-3 record as a starter, Browning demonstrated his capability by leading the team to victory in relief during Week 2. While the Bengals are optimistic about Burrow’s eventual return, potentially as early as December, the recent signings of Clifford and White provide Cincinnati with additional strategic options in a crucial period of the season.
In a landscape of ever-changing dynamics in the NFL, the Bengals are taking measured steps to remain competitive while awaiting the return of their star quarterback.
