Steelers Now
The Cincinnati Bengals are considering alternatives at the quarterback position after dropping three straight games with Jake Browning as the starter.
“We’ll see where it goes,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said following Sunday’s 37-24 loss to the Detroit Lions. “Like all personnel decisions, we’ve got to evaluate it. Jake’s been very accountable for how the game went for him. I’ve got to be accountable for how the game went for me, as well. So we’ll continue to progress here through the days.”
Cincinnati (2-3) looks lost without quarterback Joe Burrow, who’s sidelined for at least three months with a turf toe injury. The Bengals have been out-scored 113–37 in the three-game losing streak.
In four games this year (3 starts), Browning has completed 80 of 124 pass attempts for 757 yards (64.5%) with six touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a passer rating of 70.5.
Against Detroit, Browning completed 26 of 40 passes for 251 yards with three touchdowns, three interceptions, and a passer rating of 76.1.
Despite subpar play, Browning is the Bengals best option on their roster. Brett Rypien is Browning’s backup, while Mike White and Sean Clifford are on the practice squad.
Could the Bengals kick the tires on Russell Wilson?
Wilson is on the trade block after being benched by the New York Giants for rookie Jaxson Dart, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“Don’t be surprised if another team wants to find out. Wilson is expected to emerge as a trade candidate prior to the deadline on Nov. 4, the target of a QB-needy team in need of a veteran, according to sources around the league,” Rapoport reports.
Speaking with the New York media, Wilson vowed that he’s not done playing, despite his benching — but won’t ask for a trade.
“For me, personally, I’m not done,” Wilson said. “I’ve got so much belief in myself and I know what I’m capable of. I believe I was able to show it, especially on the road in Dallas.”
Despite that, and the fact that a half-dozen teams are now dealing with significant quarterback injuries, Wilson said he won’t ask to be dealt.
“I’m focused on helping this team win,” he said. “I’m focused on helping Jaxson. . . . I want to be here. I love this organization, I love the process of it all. I love the guys in the locker room. I’m not giving up on us and this season.”
The Bengals play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field this Sunday. Cincinnati will then host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Bengals Open Door for Potential QB Change
