Veteran quarterback Josh Johnson, at 40 years young, just keeps finding a way to stick around! He’s officially signing on with the Cincinnati Bengals’ practice squad, making it his third tour of duty with the team, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This move is more than just a formality; it tells you everything about how the Bengals are approaching their quarterback room.
The QB Room Gamble
Look, the Bengals are rolling into the season with Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco as their only two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. That’s a bold move, right? In today’s NFL, you usually want a third arm ready to go, especially with how things can turn on a dime. Signing Johnson to the practice squad makes total sense here. It’s not just a feel-good story; it’s a strategic play to keep a seasoned pro nearby, ready to get called up if any drama unfolds. You can’t put a price on that kind of veteran insurance when your starting signal-caller is Joe Burrow.
Still Proving Himself at 40
Seriously, think about Josh Johnson’s career. This guy has played for an unbelievable list of teams: the Bucs, 49ers, Browns, Jets, Colts, Bills, Ravens, Giants, Texans, Raiders, Lions, Commanders, Broncos, and now his third stint with the Bengals! That’s fourteen different franchises! To still be contributing at 40 years old in the NFL, that’s just wild. It shows a ridiculous level of dedication and resilience. Last season with the Commanders, he wasn’t just riding the bench, either. He actually appeared in five games, starting two, completing 63 percent of his passes for 372 yards, tossing one touchdown against two picks. He definitely showed he can still get it done in a pinch.
The Preseason Numbers Don’t Lie
His preseason numbers with Cincinnati this year were even sharper. Johnson completed a solid 60.7 percent of his throws, racked up 396 yards, and threw two touchdowns without a single interception. Zero picks in preseason? That’s exactly what you want from your emergency QB. It proves he’s still got the accuracy and decision-making to be a reliable backup. With the regular season kicking off, keeping Johnson on the practice squad means the Bengals have a battle-tested veteran literally on standby. It’s all about being prepared, and Johnson is a pro’s pro when it comes to being ready for his moment. You know he’ll be studying the playbook, staying sharp, and waiting for that call, ensuring the Bengals are covered no matter what happens to their primary QBs.
So, while Johnson might not be starting, his presence is huge. The Bengals clearly value that experience and consistency, especially with only two guys ahead of him on the depth chart. It’s a smart, low-risk move that provides big-time peace of mind for their quarterback situation heading into what promises to be an intense season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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