Bengals waive Sean Clifford, setting the stage for Joe Burrow’s highly anticipated return against the Ravens
CINCINNATI — In a bold move on Monday, the Bengals waived quarterback Sean Clifford, clearing the path for Joe Burrow’s exciting return to the field this Thursday against the Baltimore Ravens.
Burrow, who has been sidelined for the past 69 days following surgery for a grade 3 toe sprain, is set to reclaim his position just in time for a crucial divisional match-up. His absence was felt deeply, as the Bengals struggled without their star quarterback, posting a dismal 1-8 record during his time off.
Clifford’s brief tenure with the Bengals
Clifford, a Cincinnati native and St. Xavier High School alum, initially signed with the Bengals’ practice squad in September to provide depth following Burrow’s injury. He was elevated to the 53-man roster on October 31 and served as the emergency third quarterback over the past three games. Despite his promotion, Clifford did not see any game action with the Bengals, having previously appeared in two NFL games for the Green Bay Packers. Drafted in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, he was waived by Green Bay in August before finding a home in Cincinnati.
While Clifford’s future remains uncertain, including the possibility of a return to the practice squad, the focus now shifts to Burrow, who is eager to lead his team back to victory.
Burrow’s impact on the Bengals
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor expressed enthusiasm about Burrow’s return, noting, “He’s a great player. It’s exciting to have him back. Obviously, when you have one of the greatest players in the world coming back, there’s a boost for the team.” Burrow’s presence on the field is expected to invigorate the squad, as evidenced by their perfect 7-0 record in his last seven starts dating back to last season.
As Burrow steps back into the spotlight, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will serve as his backup, while Jake Browning is poised to take on the role of emergency third quarterback. Browning will be dressed and ready to play, but only if both Burrow and Flacco suffer injuries during the game.
Looking ahead
Thursday night’s clash with the Ravens marks Burrow’s first appearance since Week 2. The Bengals will be looking to regain their footing in the competitive AFC North, and with Burrow at the helm, hopes are high for a turnaround. The stakes are particularly high as Cincinnati aims to capitalize on Burrow’s undeniable talent and leadership to spark a resurgence in their season.
