LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Jake Browning strengthened his case to back up Joe Burrow, and potentially start Week 1 for the Cincinnati Bengals if their franchise quarterback is not ready, with his play in the preseason finale.
Browning was a perfect 6 of 6 for 42 yards and a touchdown pass to Andre Iosivas in the first half of Cincinnati's 21-19 loss at the Washington Commanders on Saturday night.
Journeyman Trevor Siemian, who has been competing with Browning for the No. 2 job behind Burrow, had a solid performance marred by an interception late in the first half.
Siemian finished 14 of 23 for 133 yards, playing into the fourth quarter before Reid Sinnett took over for the Bengals (0-2-1).
Burrow strained his right calf in practice in late July. Coach Zac Taylor has refused to answer questions about Burrow's progress other than to say the 26-year-old looks as good as he ever has.
There's no QB drama for the Commanders, who already announced Sam Howell as their starter, with veteran Jacoby Brissett set to back up. Brissett played the first three series, completing 10 of 15 passes for 96 yards with a 39-yard touchdown completion to Mitchell Tinsley, an undrafted free agent receiver who had three catches for 89 yards and may have earned a spot on Washington's 53-man roster.
Jake Fromm played the majority of the game and threw for 144 yards and two TDs to wrap up a 3-0 preseason for the Commanders. It's the first time Washington finished exhibition play undefeated since 2013.
Nearly every starter for either team sat out to avoid the risk of injuries. The Commanders already lost a top player to a preseason injury when Terry McLaurin sprained a toe on his right foot late in the first half Monday against Baltimore, and now the No. 1 receiver's status for Week 1 is uncertain.
The only expected starters who got onto the field for Washington were interior linemen Saahdiq Charles, Nick Gates and Sam Cosmi. They played the opening drive before giving way to reserves.
With Joe Mixon among the Bengals players not uniform, rookie Chase Brown got the start at running back. The fifth-round pick ran for 39 yards on 11 carries.
Among the highlights for Cincinnati, kicker Evan McPherson was good from 58 and 35 yards to improve to 8 of 8 on field goals this preseason.
INJURIES
Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai left the game in the first quarter with a right ankle injury and was declared out before halftime. Backup offensive tackle D’Ante Smith injured his left shoulder in the second quarter.
UP NEXT
Bengals: Open the regular season Sept. 10 at AFC North Division-rival Cleveland.
Commanders: Host the Arizona Cardinals in their season opener Sept. 10.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
