The Bengals can’t realistically replace Joe Burrow, but that won’t stop them from trying.
With Burrow set to miss significant time with a toe injury, the Bengals are adding quarterback Sean Clifford to their practice squad, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.
Clifford, 27, most recently was with the Packers before being released on Aug. 26 as part of their final roster cutdowns.
Off to a 2-0 start, the Bengals visit the Vikings in Week 3.
Clifford Was Among Packers’ Final Cuts
Clifford was drafted by the Packers in the fifth round (149th overall) in 2023 and appeared in two games as a rookie while serving as the primary backup to Jordan Love. His only pass attempt went for a 37-yard gain during a 33-10 win over the Vikings on Dec. 31, 2023.
Last season, Clifford spent the majority of his time on the Packers’ practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster a few times, including in Weeks 2 and 3 when Love was out with an injury, but did not see any game action.
The Penn State product was with Green Bay this summer, too. He appeared in all three preseason games, completing 9 of 17 passes for 44 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown.
The Packers ultimately signed Clayton Tune to be the No. 3 quarterback behind Love and Malik Willis.
Bengals Bring in More QB Depth
According to Schefter, Clifford isn’t the only new quarterback joining the Bengals’ roster. Cincinnati is also signing veteran Mike White to its practice squad.
White, 30, was with the Bills this summer and played in one game for Buffalo last season. He also made seven starts for the Jets from 2021-22 and appeared in six games for the Dolphins in 2023.
Ironically, White’s first career start was against the Bengals in 2021. He threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-31 win, earning the nickname “Mike (Expletive) White” from teammates.
For his career, White’s completed 61.4% of his passes for 2,247 yards, nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions.
Jake Browning Expected to Start
Jake Browning came on in relief of Burrow in the first half of Sunday’s 31-27 win over Jacksonville and was 21 of 32 through the air for 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
The plan is for Browning to start Sunday.
“We have a ton of confidence in Jake,” head coach Zac Taylor said, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. “He proved that (Sept. 14) against what I think everyone is gonna see is a really good football team. He’s done it in the past. He’s played against (Minnesota) so he’s got experience there. … He’s earned the right to be in the spotlight.”
Burrow, a two-time Pro Bowler who led the NFL in passing yards last season, is facing an extended absence because of a toe injury.
Bengals Sign Former Packers QB After Joe Burrow Injury