The Houston Texans’ quarterback, AJ McCarron, was positioned in punt formation on January 3, 2021, acting as the team’s personal protector. The Tennessee Titans were caught off guard by the ruse, and McCarron took the snap and completed a 20-yard pass.
Up until Sunday, that was the former All-American from Alabama’s last NFL regular-season snap.
McCarron made his first appearance for the Bengals since December 17, 2017, when he entered the game against the Indianapolis Colts as a replacement for injured quarterback Jake Browning.
Before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during an Atlanta Falcons preseason game on August 21, 2021, McCarron played for the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, and Texans. He then spent his final four NFL seasons with Cincinnati.
Earlier this year, McCarron led the XFL in touchdown passes, completion percentage, and passing efficiency rating while playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks after missing the 2022 season.
After signing with the Bengals on September 23, McCarron replaced Browning as the team’s backup after oJe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury on November 26.
On Sunday, Browning injured his hand while he was scurrying for three yards on the second play of the fourth quarter.
Earlier this year, cled the XFL in touchdown passes, completion percentage, and passing efficiency rating while playing for the St. Louis Battlehawks after missing the 2022 season.
After signing with the Bengals on September 23, McCarron replaced Browning as the team’s backup after Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury on November 26.
On Sunday, Browning injured his hand while he was scurrying for three yards on the second play of the fourth quarter.
With 9:23 left in the game, Cincinnati regained possession, and Browning entered the game again. Following the Bengals’ 34–14 victory, Browning reported that a cramp forced him off the field.
At St. Paul’s Episcopal in Mobile, McCarron was named an All-State player in both baseball and football. He also assisted the Saints in their 2007 AHSAA Class 5A football championship win.
McCarron was the starting quarterback for the Alabama teams that won the BCS national championships for the 2011 and 2012 seasons. In 2013, he became the Crimson Tide’s all-time passing leader, won the Maxwell Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
