The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly on the phone with multiple free-agent quarterbacks in the wake of Joe Burrow‘s devastating turf toe injury, sources say. Burrow, sidelined for at least three months and facing surgery, has left the Bengals scrambling to find a viable replacement as starter Jake Browning – while serviceable – may not be enough to sustain playoff aspirations.
Burrow‘s injury occurred during the Bengals‘ Week 2 win over the Jaguars. He left the game in a walking boot and didn’t return.
With a tough stretch of games ahead, Cincinnati is exploring free-agent options and may even consider signing someone off another squad’s practice roster to shore up their depth.
Options on the table amid playoff urgency
Some names being floated in connection with the Bengals’ search include Desmond Ridder – a former starter with the Falcons who knows the Cincinnati environment – and veterans such as Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Trask, and Nate Sudfeld, who are currently available in free agency.
There’s also mention of C.J. Beathard among those under consideration.
Jake Browning will likely take over as starter for the interim, but his recent outing was a mixed bag-241 yards and two touchdowns versus three interceptions in a close win.
The Bengals’ coaching staff and front office clearly recognize that relying on Browning alone may not cut it for the stretch run.
Beyond free agents, the Bengals are also examining practice-squad talent, trade possibilities, and other more unconventional moves to ensure they aren’t punting the season away.
With Burrow out, every quarterback decision takes on magnified weight – not just for wins, but for preserving team momentum, fan faith, and playoff eligibility.
What remains unclear is which option the Bengals view as a short-term plug and which might evolve into a long-term backup role should Burrow’s recovery take longer.
Meanwhile, the reality is stark: Burrow’s injury forced a test of Cincinnati’s depth, and fans will be watching closely to see if the front office finds a stable bridge until their franchise quarterback returns.
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