Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitch Trubisky has been ruled out of action following an injury sustained during the team’s second preseason game. To fill the void, the Bills have reportedly signed free agent quarterback Anthony Brown, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
According to ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg, Trubisky is set to miss “multiple weeks” due to a knee injury.
This sets up a rather precarious situation for the Bills as they prepare for Week 1, when they will host the Arizona Cardinals to kick off the 2024 NFL campaign.
Could Anthony Brown supplant Mitch Trubisky as Josh Allen’s backup?
There is no doubt that the hopes and dreams of the Bills rest on the substantial shoulders of Josh Allen. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in a league full of stars, and Buffalo will struggle without him. That being said, the team must find a way to compete, even if the worst were to happen.
Before the season began, it would have been easy to assume that Trubisky would be penciled in as the backup to Allen. Two games through, however, that plan is very much in jeopardy. Not only is Trubisky injured, but he’s been kind of bad when he’s had his chances this summer.
Trubisky consistently struggled this preseason to create explosive plays. He also threw an interception that made everyone in Pittsburgh remember why he’s no longer in Pittsburgh.
“We’ve seen a lot of that with (Mitch) Trubisky in Pittsburgh over the years. One of the reasons why he’s no longer here.” pic.twitter.com/QiKC5nYq6e
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) August 17, 2024
Finishing the preseason with just 168 yards on 19-of-31 passing, Trubisky showcased exactly the same skillset we’ve seen since he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Chicago Bears in 2017.
Now that he’s been signed due to Trubisky’s injury, does Brown have a shot to make the roster, and could he possibly supplant Trubisky on the depth chart?
The Bills’ third preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday should enlighten us. Expect a heavy dose of Ben DiNucci, who was signed a week ago after Shane Buechele was placed on injured reserve. Brown should also see plenty of action in the second half.
Previously, Brown spent the 2022 NFL season with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted out of Oregon that year. He appeared in two games that season, throwing for 302 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions on 22-of-49 passing (44.9 percent).
DiNucci’s resume isn’t markedly better, and he is also a brand-new addition to the squad. Given that the season is just three weeks from kicking off, Brown could surprise everyone and find his way onto the Week 1 roster as the No. 2 quarterback.
