Schefter mentioned more high school football stats than sources in his tweet, so it’s unclear if he’s getting this “report” from the team or if it’s just informed speculation. Either way, it does look like the Bengals will ride out Joe Burrow’s foot injury with Browning under center. Browning went 4-3 as a starter in 2023 and led the league with a 70.4 percent completion rate. He threw 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions and averaged 267 yards per game in his starts. The team then signed him to a two-year contract extension in the offseason. Browning is one of the league’s better backups and starting-caliber quarterbacks aren’t readily available via trade. There is a chance Burrow returns late in the year, but fantasy managers should be operating as if Browning is the Bengals’ starter for the remainder of the season.

Browning took over for Joe Burrow late in the second quarter when the latter suffered a toe injury on a sack. Burrow went in for an MRI and was spotted on a scooter during halftime. He did not return. Browning struggled at times, tossing two interceptions that were his fault and a third where his receiver stopped on the route, leading to an easy pick for the Jaguars’ secondary. Just like he did when the Bengals called on him in 2023, Browning was given plenty of screens, getting the ball into his best players’ hands without asking much of the backup passer. He then stepped up in the fourth quarter, leading the Bengals on a 92-yard scoring drive, which he capped with a one-yard rushing score. The Jags couldn’t make anything of the final 18 seconds and Browning came away with the win. With Burrow’s status for Week 3 unknown at this time, Browning will be a must-add in Superflex and 2QB formats.

Ribs injuries can be tricky so it’s no surprise that there’s not a definite timetable on Browning’s return. While the Bengals may choose to bring another quarterback on board, Logan Woodside and Rocky Lombardi are the two that remain behind Burrow. Browning filled in admirably when Burrow was lost for the 2023 season with a wrist injury.