The Cincinnati Bengals gave journeyman quarterback Trevor Siemian a go in training camp to fight for the backup role to Joe Burrow.
The experiment ended Tuesday as the Bengals released the 31-year-old veteran. That leaves untested Jake Browning as the backup for now. That’s significant at the moment because of Burrow’s uncertain status as he recovers from a strained right calf. He is expected to be ready, however, for the Bengals’ season opener Sept. 10 against the Cleveland Browns.
Head coach Zac Taylor recently told ESPN he wouldn’t rule out the team acquiring another quarterback.
“I think anything’s feasible,” Taylor said. “But at the same time, there are a lot of nuances to our offense when you’re asking that guy to learn that quickly and be able to operate it in a game, it’s a challenge.”
Burrow has not practiced since suffering the injury July 27. But Taylor told ESPN that Burrow has become a master of missing time with an injury and quickly returning at full throttle.
“He’s gotten himself to this spot for a reason,” Taylor said. “Over the last three years, he’s had to deal with similar circumstances. So he’s a veteran at this.”
Browning, who starred for the Washington Huskies, went undrafted in 2019. He’s spent time on both the Minnesota Vikings and Bengals practice squads since.
As for Siemian, the Bengals were his fifth NFL team in the past six years.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.