Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning gave the team a big scare on Sunday when he appeared to suffer a wrist injury during a win over the Indianapolis Colts. By his own admission, the situation was actually much more benign.
Early in the fourth quarter, Browning went to the locker room with what looked to be some sort of hand injury. It was serious enough that third-string quarterback AJ McCarron had to take over for a few plays, though Browning quickly returned to action.
AJ McCarron has taken over at QB for the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/qQZ8Casx8f
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 10, 2023
After the game, Browning conceded that he did not actually suffer a new injury. He suffered a thumb cramp as a result of dehydration, and called the entire situation “embarrassing.”
Just talked to Bengals QB Jake Browning—he told me he had a thumb cramp, and conceded he didn't drink enough water and it was "embarrassing".
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 10, 2023
It happens to the best of us, and is certainly a lesson learned for Browning. You have to hydrate a little more when you’re the starter compared to when you’re carrying the clipboard on the sidelines.
The worst part for Browning might be that his family had some great seats for his cramping issue. He threw for 275 yards and two touchdowns, so at least he can fall back on that.
