In a challenging Thursday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals faced a setback as quarterback Joe Burrow exited the game with a sprained right wrist. The 34-20 loss delivered a blow to the Bengals, and Coach Zac Taylor provided preliminary insights into Burrow’s condition.
“Burrow fell on his wrist earlier. Backup Jake Browning stepped in, and despite challenges, the team remains resilient.” – Coach Zac Taylor
Contents
Joe Burrow’s Early Exit and Wrist Injury
Burrow’s departure from the game occurred in the second quarter, leaving fans and teammates concerned. Coach Taylor revealed that Burrow had fallen on his wrist earlier in the game, and the severity of the injury became apparent after he threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to running back Joe Mixon. The quarterback, visibly in pain, did not return to the field.
“It looked like he sprained his wrist, Fell on it early in the game, and then felt it on the touchdown pass.” – Taylor commented.
The timeline of when Burrow first experienced discomfort remains unclear. Despite not being contacted by any player during the touchdown pass, Burrow dropped to the ground in apparent distress. After a brief visit to the team’s medical tent, he attempted to warm up but struggled with his throws, prompting his exit to the locker room.
QB Joe Burrow has been declared out. https://t.co/9gU5nZ5MqG
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 17, 2023
Burrow’s Performance and Replacement
Burrow’s stats for the game included 11-of-17 passing for 101 yards and a touchdown. Jake Browning stepped in as the backup quarterback, going 8-of-14 for 68 yards and securing a late touchdown pass to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
| Player | Position | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Burrow | Quarterback | 11-of-17, 101 Yards, 1 TD |
| Jake Browning | Backup QB | 8-of-14, 68 Yards, 1 TD |
Before the game, there were no indications of Joe Burrow dealing with a wrist issue, according to Taylor. The sudden development raised questions, with Taylor expressing confidence in Burrow’s performance prior to the injury.
“Look how he played in the first half, He did everything we needed him to do.” – Taylor
Browning’s Debut and Team Response
For Browning, Thursday marked a significant moment as he took on high-leverage reps in an NFL game for the first time. The undrafted free agent from Washington had been on Cincinnati’s practice squad since 2021 and secured the backup role in this year’s training camp.
Despite the pressure, Browning approached the game with confidence, emphasizing his readiness for the opportunity. Taylor echoed this sentiment, stating that the team’s morale remained high even after Burrow’s exit.
“I didn’t feel like for one second the wind was out of our sails,” Taylor said. “I feel like down-in, down-out on defense, those guys were fighting their tails off.”
Joe Burrow left to the locker room after struggling to grip and throw the ball with a right wrist injury
(via @NFLonPrime)pic.twitter.com/15GKrpLFl1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 17, 2023
Other Injuries and Divisional Ramifications
Joe Burrow wasn’t the only casualty of the game, as starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt left with a quadriceps injury. The team awaits further information on his status.
Entering the game against the division-leading Ravens (8-3), the Bengals knew the stakes were high. With the loss, the Ravens completed a season sweep over the Bengals, leaving Cincinnati at the bottom of the division. The team faces an uphill battle in its postseason push, regardless of Burrow’s recovery timeline.
Team’s Reaction and Moving Forward
Wide receiver Tyler Boyd acknowledged the impact of Burrow’s injury, describing him as the team’s best player. Despite the setback, Boyd emphasized the need for the team to rally, prepare, and make plays for Browning.
“It hurts us a lot,” Boyd said. “All we can do is keep preparing, keep moving forward, and just go out there and make plays for Jake any way we can.”
The Bengals face a challenging road ahead, dealing with injuries and striving for a postseason berth. Burrow’s absence adds complexity, but the team remains determined to overcome adversity and support their backup quarterback. As the season progresses, the Bengals will need to regroup, make strategic adjustments, and maintain a competitive spirit on the field.
FAQ:
Q1: When did Joe Burrow leave the game?
A: Burrow exited the game in the second quarter against the Ravens.
Q2: Who replaced Joe Burrow after his injury?
A: Backup quarterback Jake Browning stepped in for Burrow.
Q3: What was Joe Burrow’s performance before leaving?
A: Burrow completed 11-of-17 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.
Q4: Did the Bengals win the game against the Ravens?
A: No, the Bengals lost 34-20 to the Baltimore Ravens.
Q5: How did the team react to Burrow’s injury?
A: Despite the setback, the team remained determined, with Coach Zac Taylor emphasizing resilience in the face of adversity.