Strategies to Replace Joe Burrow in Case of Lengthy Absence: Top 5 Bengals QB Options

Cincinnati Bengals face uncertainty as Joe Burrow suffers calf injury.

Carson Wentz and Teddy Bridgewater are the top options available for the Cincinnati Bengals as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding Joe Burrow's calf injury. Burrow, the catalyst for the Bengals' Super Bowl aspirations, was carted off from practice, leaving the franchise in a holding pattern.

The severity of Burrow's injury remains unclear, but the Bengals will soon discover the extent of his absence. If Burrow is sidelined for a significant amount of time, the Bengals will have to scramble to keep their championship hopes alive.

While Cincinnati needs Burrow to secure a title, they still have some options on their roster and in free agency that can at least keep them competitive in the AFC this year.

One such option is Trevor Siemian, the Bengals' backup quarterback who signed a one-year contract this offseason. Siemian has started six games over the past four years and 30 in his eight-year career, but he hasn't won a game he's started since 2017. Last season, Siemian played two games, completing 57.7% of his passes for 184 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. If the Bengals are reluctant to start Siemian, there may be better options available in free agency.

Another potential option for the Bengals is Carson Wentz, who completed 62.3% of his passes for 1,755 yards last year with 11 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Wentz, who has started for three different teams in the past three seasons, has yet to find a long-term job. However, if he wants one last opportunity to start, the Bengals could provide that chance. Wentz has started 92 of the 93 games he's played in his seven-year career.

Teddy Bridgewater is another viable option for the Bengals. Bridgewater, a capable backup quarterback, has the potential to start a few games and serve as an insurance policy for the team. Last year, he started two games for the Miami Dolphins and played in five, completing 62% of his passes for 683 yards, with four touchdowns and four interceptions. In 2021, Bridgewater started 14 games for the Denver Broncos, completing 66.9% of his passes for 3,052 yards, with 18 touchdowns and seven interceptions. If the Bengals are looking for a reliable option to keep their talented team in games, Bridgewater would be a valuable addition.

Joe Flacco, at 38 years old and with 15 seasons under his belt, is still valued by some teams as a veteran backup. He started four games for the New York Jets last season, completing 57.6% of his passes for 1,051 yards, with five touchdowns and three interceptions. Flacco's experience and skill make him a valuable asset, even if he is no longer a starting quarterback.

Nick Foles, the former Super Bowl MVP, is unlikely to receive a call as his days as a starting quarterback seem to be behind him. Foles started two games for the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, completing just 59.5% of his passes for 224 yards, with no touchdowns and four interceptions. However, in the right system, Foles can be a valuable insurance policy and win games for a contending team. If Burrow only has to miss a week or two, the Bengals could do much worse than Foles.

As the Bengals wait for more information on Burrow's injury, they must consider their options carefully. Siemian, Wentz, Bridgewater, Flacco, and Foles all bring different strengths and weaknesses to the table. Ultimately, the Bengals will need to make a decision that gives them the best chance to compete and keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.

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