Fresh off an outstanding performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13, all eyes were on how Cincinnati Bengals QB Jake Browning would play in his third career start. Unfortunately, with the team up 28-14 in the fourth quarter, he suffered an injury and exited the contest. Here’s the latest on his status.
Jake Browning Injury Update
On 1st-and-10 to begin the fourth quarter, Browning threw an incomplete pass to WR Tee Higgins. He was hit during the throw and landed with his right thumb tucked into his palm. On the next play, he turned down a receiver and scrambled to the left. Prior to third down, he took a knee in the huddle, and trainers came onto the field.
#Bengals QB Jake Browning has left the game with an apparent thumb injury.
A.J. McCarron is in the game.pic.twitter.com/mb365hMepr
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 10, 2023
Browning then left for the locker room, and AJ McCarron entered the game under center. The Bengals’ third QB of the season threw a touchdown on the ensuing drive that was nullified by offensive pass interference on Higgins, forcing Cincinnati to kick a field goal.
MORE: Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart
While in the locker room, Browning was listed as probable to return with “muscle cramps.” And with the Colts offense on the field, Browning ran back out to the sideline accompanied by cheers from the home crowd.
Thus far, Browning has completed 17 of 23 passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He’s also added six yards and another score on three rushing attempts.
Fantasy Fallout From Browning’s Injury
In Week 13, with Browning under center, Ja’Marr Chase was the focal point, but prior to the injury in Week 14, this offense featured target equity.
It’s difficult to project what this passing game will look like with McCarron under center (prior to Week 14, he had one NFL pass thrown since the start of the 2020 season), but it’s worth noting that he had a TD pass to Higgins that was called back on his first drive.
Chase remains a viable fantasy starter, and while Higgins carries more risk, he did look healthy last week, and that’s a good start. The Bengals have the Vikings, Steelers, and Chiefs to round out the fantasy season, a tough schedule for the passing game.
If you’re desperate, Higgins is a risk/reward option in the vein of Gabe Davis or Jahan Dotson. How lucky do you feel?
For the run game, things are trending close to a committee with Joe Mixon and Chase Brown, a fragile situation that is going to have trouble surviving if drives aren’t sustained. Mixon remains an RB2 for Week 15, but not one that doesn’t carry risk.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe