The Bengals have a proven backup QB in Jake Browning, who went 4-3 in seven starts during the 2023 season when Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury. In the 31-27 win over Jacksonville, Browning went 21-of-32 passing for 241 yards, two TDs and three interceptions.
The Bengals, of course, would much rather have a healthy Burrow. The 28-year-old won Comeback Player of the Year for a second time last season after tossing a career-high 43 TD passes in 17 starts.
Fields exited in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 30-10 home loss to the Buffalo Bills after defensive end Joey Bosa sacked him, leading to a fumble recovered by the Jets. He went 3-of-11 passing for 27 yards and had 49 yards rushing on five carries before departing.
New York head coach Aaron Glenn confirmed Fields was placed in concussion protocol after the game. Now, he must complete a five-step program (which includes being cleared by an independent neurologist) to return to playing. The length of the process ultimately depends on the severity of the concussion.
If Fields can’t go for next Sunday’s road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Jets will turn to backup QB Tyrod Taylor. The 15-year veteran — who has a 28-28-1 starting record in the regular season — is a decent option. In garbage time against the Bills, he finished 7-of-11 passing for 56 yards and one TD.
Highsmith was ruled out in Pittsburgh’s home game against the Seattle Seahawks. Following the 31-17 loss, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed the LB sprained his left ankle. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to recover from this injury, meaning he could land on injured reserve.
Potentially losing Highsmith for multiple games stings for a Steelers defense that is already struggling. Through two games, Pittsburgh has allowed 31.5 points per game.
Along with star LB T.J. Watt, Highsmith is a key piece of the Pittsburgh pass-rush. In six seasons with the Steelers, he has recorded six sacks or more four times. Through two games this season, he had nine tackles and one sack.
Van Noy left in the second quarter of a 41-17 home blowout against the Cleveland Browns because of a hamstring injury. In his postgame news conference, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said it’s not season-ending, but the team will evaluate him Monday.
Even at 34, Van Noy still plays a key role for the Ravens’ defense. In 16 games in 2024, the 2014 second-rounder had 12.5 sacks, the fourth most in the league. He had one tackle in the victory over Cleveland.
Van Noy missing next Monday’s home game against the Detroit Lions could mean more snaps for Ravens rookie linebacker Mike Green, a second-round pick out of Marshall. He logged two tackles in the win against Cleveland.
Chicago Bears LB T.J. Edwards
Edwards left in the second half of a 52-21 road loss to the Detroit Lions. Chicago rookie HC Ben Johnson told the media he believes the LB reaggravated a hamstring injury that forced him to miss the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears’ defense collapsed without Edwards and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who was ruled out because of a groin injury. Detroit outscored Chicago 24-7 in the second half.
The Bears could continue to struggle if Edwards — who had four tackles against the Lions — can’t play in next Sunday’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas had 478 yards in their 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants.
