The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a significant blow on Thursday night as quarterback Joe Burrow left the game with a right wrist injury in a 34-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The injury occurred in the second quarter after Burrow threw a touchdown pass to running back Joe Mixon. Following the play, Burrow was visibly in pain and went to the medical tent. He attempted to throw passes on the sideline but was unable to do so. As he jogged to the locker room, it was reported that he could not grip the ball and could not raise his elbow.
Before leaving the game, Burrow had completed 11-of-17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. He was replaced by backup quarterback Jake Browning, who finished 8-of-14 passing for 68 yards and a touchdown.
The loss of Burrow is a significant blow for the Bengals, as his presence has been crucial for the team’s chances. Burrow has battled injuries throughout the season and his absence entering a critical stretch of the season with back-to-back AFC North games is concerning for Cincinnati.
As for Browning, who won the backup quarterback job in training camp, he has never played in a regular-season game. The Bengals were impressed with his development, but the idea of him being thrown into the spotlight in this position is not ideal. However, Browning’s mobility might be a trait that head coach Zac Taylor utilizes.
The Bengals will now have to navigate a challenging stretch without their star quarterback as they look to maintain their position in the AFC North.
(Photo: Rob Carr / Getty Images)