The Cincinnati Bengals have beefed up their quarterback lineup on the practice squad, with Sean Clifford and Mike White joining the ranks following Joe Burrow's recent injury, FOX19 reported on Thursday. With Burrow rendered inactive due to a toe injury sustained Sunday against Jacksonville, the Bengals are plotting their next moves meticulously.
Quarterback Jake Browning is poised to step into the starting role, given this unexpected twist, while Brett Rypien, who was signed to the active roster from the practice squad on Tuesday, will be his backup. The moves come in the wake of Burrow's placement on the Reserve/Injured list, according to official statements on the Bengals' website. Burrow's recovery timeline remains a subject of concern, with surgery looming and an expected absence stretching into months, not weeks.
Burrow's injury has been a blow to the team, especially following their sprightly 2-0 start, their best season launch since 2018. Bengals' coach Zac Taylor indicated the gravity of Burrow's condition, "One thing I know about Joe (Burrow) is, he is going to do everything he can to attack the rehab process, if it gets to that point. I don't know what a toe rehab looks like. But, I know that Joe is going to give it everything he's got. He is going to do everything he can to get on the field. I have full confidence in him," Taylor told WLWT.
The newest additions to the practice squad, Clifford and White, arrive with distinctive backgrounds. Sean Clifford, a Cincinnati native and Penn State standout, holds a track record that includes a commendable college career and limited NFL playtime with the Green Bay Packers. Mike White, on the other hand, boasts a more varied stint in the league, with on-field experiences from his time with the Jets, Miami, and Buffalo, including an unforgettable 405-yard game against Cincinnati in the 2021 season. Whether their presence will be enough to fill the gap left by Burrow and keep the Bengals' momentum alive as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Vikings is yet to be seen.
