Bengals Add QB Insurance with Signing of Reid Sinnett and AJ McCarron
With uncertainty surrounding Joe Burrow’s availability for the Bengals’ upcoming game, the team has taken steps to shore up their quarterback depth. On Friday, the Bengals announced the signing of Reid Sinnett to their practice squad. In addition, the club also inked a deal with veteran AJ McCarron to bolster their quarterback ranks, according to NFL Media.
The addition of Sinnett and McCarron brings the Bengals’ total number of quarterbacks on the roster to four. Alongside Burrow, the team now has Jake Browning, Sinnett, and McCarron ready to step in if needed. The decision to sign Sinnett is a logical one, as he spent the entirety of training camp with the Bengals and is somewhat familiar with their offensive scheme. Despite being waived in late August, the 26-year-old has the advantage of already having experience within the organization. Similarly, McCarron, who played for the Bengals from 2014 to 2017, may be operating under a new regime but possesses in-depth knowledge of the franchise, including four career NFL starts.
Head coach Zac Taylor addressed Burrow’s status during a press conference on Saturday, revealing that the young quarterback is officially listed as questionable for Monday’s game. Taylor remained coy when asked if Burrow would be fit to play, stating, “we’ll see.” However, the coach expressed doubt that Burrow would dress and be available for the game if he were not going to start.
In the event that Burrow is unable to take the field against the Rams, Browning would assume the starting role, with either Sinnett or McCarron serving as the backup.
This recent signing spree was necessitated by an unfortunate turn of events. The Patriots snatched Will Grier from the Bengals’ practice squad, leaving Cincinnati with only two quarterbacks. This left the team vulnerable, particularly in light of Burrow’s uncertain health condition.
While Burrow remains hopeful about his chances of playing, he acknowledged that the final decision might not be his to make. Speaking to the media, Burrow said, “That may not be my decision to make. My job is to go out and play. That’s what I’m preparing to do. I’m preparing like I’m going to go out and play a ‘Monday Night Football’ game. Whether that happens, I don’t know, but I’m going to be prepared to.”
Burrow’s return in Week 1, following a month-long absence due to a calf injury sustained in July, was short-lived. The young quarterback aggravated the injury in a Week 2 loss to the Ravens. It is important for the team to consider the long-term consequences of Burrow playing on his injured calf, making the decision particularly challenging for the Bengals.
With the signing of Sinnett and McCarron, the Bengals have taken steps to strengthen their quarterback depth and ensure they have options if Burrow is unable to play. As Monday’s matchup against the Rams approaches, Bengals fans eagerly await news of Burrow’s status and whether he will be able to take the field.