The Cincinnati Bengals' Super Bowl hopes have taken a hit after star quarterback Joe Burrow's injury. Backup Jake Browning is now leading the team, as Bengals rumors swirl over possible quarterback replacements. One name that popped up is New York Giants' QB3 Jameis Winston. But CBS Sports' NFL insider Jonathan Jones cast doubt on Winston's fit, delivering a subtle jab that effectively ruled him out as a viable Bengals option.
During Monday's CBS Sports segment, host Zach Aldridge brought up Winston as a possibility in the Bengals' quarterback search.
"Yeah, it wouldn't be Winston for the Bengals for any number of reasons," Jones said.
Then the insider, without naming Winston directly, said: "They have Jake Browning who just threw three interceptions and they somehow won. I don’t think they need a quarterback to bring in who could throw three more interceptions and see if we can win with him."
Winston, currently serving as a backup for the Giants behind Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart, has faced criticism for his turnover history.
Jones also analyzed other potential targets, including veterans Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo, noting the financial and draft pick costs Cincinnati would face in making a deal.
Burrow is expected to miss at least three months following surgery for a grade 3 turf toe injury suffered on Sunday.
The hope is that Jake Browning can step up and sustain a Bengals team that entered the season with high Super Bowl aspirations. Browning faces a tough test in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings. This game will go a long way in proving whether he's ready to lead the team.