AJ McCarron has not appeared in an NFL regular-season game since January 3, 2021. However, the former Alabama All-American may be one step closer to playing for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Bengals Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow threw a touchdown pass with 5:49 remaining in the first half of the Bengals’ 34-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. He did, however, leave the field after that play and did not return. Burrow couldn’t handle the football to throw it on the sideline before heading to the locker room.
“It looked like he sprained his wrist,” said Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor after the game. “So he fell on it early in the game and then felt it on the touchdown pass.”
Taylor stated that he had “no idea” how much time Burrow would be missing.
“All the information I have is two seconds’ worth,” he stated, “and then we went to try to go win the game.”
Burrow was replaced by Jake Browning. He is the only other current quarterback on Cincinnati’s roster.
McCarron is now a member of the Bengals’ practice squad. Each NFL team is allowed to activate two practice squad members for each game (up to three times per player).
Browning completed 8-of-14 throws for 68 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions while also rushing for 40 yards on four attempts.
“I thought there were some positive things from Jake,” Taylor went on to say. “That’s a tough defense to face in your first NFL game.” I was proud of him for going in there, leading those guys, and competing. I can only picture the scenario he finds himself in when you’re down and out, as he was. But I believed he competed well and did some good for us.”
Browning had four offensive snaps of NFL regular-season experience prior to Thursday night, having entered the league as an undrafted rookie from Washington in 2019.
When Burrow suffered a leg injury, Cincinnati signed McCarron to its practice squad on September 23. This season, McCarron has not been promoted.
McCarron topped the XFL’s St. Louis Battlehawks in touchdown passes, completion %, and passing-efficiency rating earlier this year.
McCarron had been out of the NFL since the 2021 season, when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an Atlanta Falcons preseason game on Aug. 21, 2021, and was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season.
By playing on Thursday night, the Bengals give Burrow more time to recover. Cincinnati’s next game is against the Pittsburgh Steelers on November 26.
“I know we’re disappointed with the loss,” Taylor admitted. “However, I’m not discouraged by where this season is going after this game.” They’re going to stick together. We’ll spend the long weekend here regrouping and preparing for Pittsburgh next week.”
