Last month, Cincinnati Bengals superstar quarterback Joe Burrow gave the Bengals fan base quite a scare when he suffered a non-contact leg injury during practice and had to be carted off the field. But as the 2023 season nears, it sounds like Burrow is making a great recovery.
Still, as Burrow continues his rehab for his calf injury, the Bengals want to ensure that they have a capable quarterback depth chart to supplant anytime he may miss. At this current juncture, it’s unclear whether Burrow will be under center come Week 1, but the Bengals are trying to do all they can from a depth standpoint to withstand any time that Burrow misses.
That’s why the Bengals have agreed to sign former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Will Grier to their practice squad, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Former Cowboys’ QB Will Grier — who threw for 305 yards and ran for 45 more in his final game with Dallas — is signing with the Bengals’ practice squad, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2023
When the Cowboys traded for Trey Lance last week, it became clear that Grier would be the odd man out for the Cowboys with starter Dak Prescott and proven backup Cooper Rush already on the roster. While Grier was informed that he was going to be cut from the team by the roster cutdown deadline, the Cowboys gave him a chance at a live auction for other NFL teams, like the Benagls, by letting him play the entire preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders. And it’s safe to say he made the most of his opportunity.
Grier finished the game 29-of-35 through the air for 305 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also had 53 yards and two touchdowns on the ground on 10 carries while leading the team to points on 100 percent of their trips to the red zone.
While Grier likely won’t be inserted into the Bengals’ starting lineup anytime soon, that’s, of course, barring anything unforeseen, he’ll be the QB3 in Cincinnati. If Burrow is unable to play in Week 1, Grier would more than likely be promoted to the active roster to serve as the backup to Jake Browning.
The NFL world was quick to react to the Bengals quarterback news.
will grier consulting algorithms of contending teams with qbs who take a ton of hits to arrive at the optimal destination https://t.co/8MFJhfytLi
— Bureau of Human-Bovine Cultural Affairs (@CowboysStats) August 30, 2023
Will Grier to Cincinnati. Fresh start. https://t.co/hzZ7QiMZPZ
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) August 30, 2023
Bengals get their practice squad QB. Very good versatility and athleticism. https://t.co/ddfRnVCy0N
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) August 30, 2023
Solid move and I hope he never ever sees the field. https://t.co/DLTVgQQKcc
— DarthNoobSaibot (@DarthNoobSaibot) August 30, 2023
It’s a business. https://t.co/jr2lj69i9A
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) August 30, 2023
Mike McCarthy wanted to sign Grier to Cowboys practice squad as 4th QB. Grier will be no. 3 in cincy https://t.co/frzj4RSh8V
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 30, 2023
And there you go. #Bengals land an intriguing QB to join Jake Browning. https://t.co/w422OtgZ7k
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) August 30, 2023
Grier goes unclaimed on waivers.
Nice addition to the Bengals' PS, which really just means he's still a FA able to be signed by another Club to their 53. https://t.co/rMAbJh9eAn
— Andre Perrotta (@andreperrotta13) August 30, 2023
