The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a significant challenge with their star quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined for about three months due to a turf toe injury, highlighting the importance of having a reliable backup.

Teams often value backup quarterbacks highly, with examples like Jalen Hurts and Jimmy Garoppolo demonstrating how players drafted in rounds 2-4 can lead their teams to success, including Super Bowl appearances.

The article emphasizes that investing in backup quarterbacks is a strategic move, as these players can be crucial for team success, especially when starters face injuries.

Burrow's injury history, which includes knee, wrist, calf injuries, and even an appendectomy, underscores the risks star quarterbacks face and the need for solid backups.

With Burrow expected to return around Week 14, the Bengals are relying on their backup, Jake Browning, to maintain competitive performance during Burrow's absence, demonstrating the backup's importance.

Browning previously stepped in during Burrow's 2023 wrist injury, and the team remains confident in his ability to lead if needed, illustrating the value of having a capable backup.

Experts recommend that teams should consider drafting or developing young quarterbacks as a strategic approach to future needs, rather than solely focusing on high-round investments in star quarterbacks.

The discussion suggests that NFL teams should allocate more draft capital or resources toward backup quarterbacks to better mitigate the risks associated with injuries to star players.