Backup QBs Browning and Minshew Face Off in Crucial Colts-Bengals Matchup

Both Teams Rely on Stand-in Quarterbacks in Tight AFC Playoff Race

Backup quarterbacks Jake Browning of the Cincinnati Bengals and Gardner Minshew of the Indianapolis Colts will face off in a key AFC matchup. Both teams are in the playoff hunt, with the Colts riding a four-game winning streak and the Bengals looking to build on a confidence-boosting win.
Browning, in just his second NFL start, had an impressive game last week, completing 32 of 37 passes for 354 yards and a touchdown, and rushing for another score. Minshew has also stepped up in the absence of the Colts' starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
The Colts will welcome back their best run stopper, defensive tackle Grover Stewart, who was suspended for the past six games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
The Bengals showed positive signs in their run game last week, with Joe Mixon rushing for 66 yards and two touchdowns, and rookie Chase Brown adding another 61 yards.
The Colts' 2021 NFL rushing champion Jonathan Taylor, who had surgery on his right thumb last week, may potentially return for the Bengals game, although no timeline for his return has been confirmed.