The Cincinnati Bengals signed quarterback AJ McCarron to the practice squad, the team announced Saturday, as Joe Burrow’s status is in question for Monday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. Here’s what you need to know:
- Burrow first injured his calf on July 27, and tweaked it again at the conclusion of Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
- Coach Zac Taylor said Saturday that the starting QB’s status would be questionable, adding “we’ll see” regarding Burrow’s availability for the team’s Week 3 game.
- Given the uncertainty surrounding Burrow, Cincinnati brought in McCarron and Trace McSorley for a workout Saturday.
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Backstory
Taylor said earlier in the week that Burrow was dealing with “soreness” and the team was working day to day monitoring the quarterback’s progress. The 2022 Pro Bowler has completed 41 passes for 304 yards with two touchdowns and one interception through two games this season.
McCarron, a former Alabama quarterback, spent his first three seasons in the NFL with the Bengals before bouncing from the Raiders to the Texans and the Falcons. He signed a one-year deal with Atlanta in 2021 before suffering an ACL tear that ended his season. He most recently played for the St. Louis BattleHawks in the XFL, leading the league in passing touchdowns this year.
“I loved our time in Cincinnati,” McCarron said about the opportunity to return for the Bengals. “The four years were unbelievable. But, you never know. I would definitely love a call and a chance to go back, for sure.”
McSorley, a former Penn State standout, played in nine NFL games for the Ravens (2019-20) and the Arizona Cardinals (2022), throwing for 502 yards and one touchdown with five interceptions. McSorley signed a one-year contract with the New England Patriots in April but was released prior to the season.
Tyler Boyd on AJ McCarron: I thought I seen a ghost when I seen him this morning.
— Jay Morrison (@ByJayMorrison) September 23, 2023
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(Photo: Nick Cammett / Diamond Images / Getty Images)
