Jake Browning Talks Replacing Burrow, 'Preparing Without Taking Reps Is a Challenge'

Cincinnati Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning was thrust into action on Sunday after star signal-caller Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars, and he helped lead the team to a 31-27 victory.

After seeing significant action for the first time since 2023, Browning admitted that it wasn't easy to step in on short notice.

"Preparing without taking reps is a challenge," Browning told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. "My most recent game wasn't too long ago. The way the NFL works is preparing the starting quarterback to be ready, and it's on the backup to stay ready. If you get to Sunday and you aren't prepared …"

The Bengals luckily don't have to wonder about what would've happened if Browning wasn't ready to replace Burrow. The 29-year-old, who was playing in just his 13th game of his career, threw for 241 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also scored the game-winning rushing touchdown with 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter to help Cincinnati improve to 2-0.

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While it wasn't pretty, Browning said he's proud of his perseverance after overcoming his mistakes on his way to getting the win.

"What I'm proud of is pushing through the lows. Putting my head mentally there to battle through adversity," he said, "and continuing to move the ball forward."

The Bengals will need to continue to be able to count on Browning, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Burrow will need surgery on his injured toe and will be sidelined for a minimum of three months. Schefter added that Cincinnati has been "calling around to other free-agent quarterbacks" and will likely add at least one more signal-caller to its roster.

For now, Browning will be running the show as the Bengals prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings.