Bengals Release Quarterback Hours After Announcing Joe Bu...

By Cole SullivanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project member

The Cincinnati Bengals suffered another tough loss on Sunday, falling 26-20 to the New England Patriots after turning the ball over on downs in the final minute on the Patriots’ side of the field.

Veteran Joe Flacco once again led the Bengals offense, even though star quarterback Joe Burrow practiced in full twice last week. The team chose to give Burrow one more week, but on Monday, head coach Zac Taylor announced that Burrow is on track to return Thursday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

With Burrow’s return, the Bengals needed to activate him to the 53-man roster. To make room, the team waived quarterback Sean Clifford just hours after announcing Burrow’s activation.

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Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his toe back in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, an injury that was originally expected to sideline him until at least mid-December.

Instead, his rehab progressed unusually fast. After a full week of practice — and with several more days to go before Thursday night — Burrow is now set to return against the division rival Baltimore Ravens.

His comeback comes despite Cincinnati’s 3-8 record and slim chances of making the playoffs, but the Bengals will gladly welcome their franchise quarterback back under center.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow

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Serving as Burrow’s backup will be Joe Flacco, who played well during his time as the starter in Cincinnati but has struggled over the past two weeks. Jake Browning will operate as the team’s third-string quarterback on the depth chart.

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