NFL Network national insider Ian Rapoport tweeted that Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Trent Brown will undergo surgery for his torn patellar tendon. Worst yet, the operation will abruptly end his season.
Brown signed with the Bengals this year after spending the three previous seasons with the New England Patriots. In his final season with the Patriots, the former Georgia Military and Florida standout had an 80.2 overall grade and an 80.7 run-blocking rate.
The Bengals envisioned Brown as another protector for quarterback Joe Burrow. They have constantly upgraded Burrow's protection to lessen the sacks he’s absorbing. Before the Patriots and the Bengals, Brown played for the San Francisco 49ers, the team that selected him in the seventh round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
#Bengals OT Trent Brown, who was ruled out last night with a knee injury, will undergo surgery to repair his torn patellar tendon, sources say. His 2024 season is over, but Brown is expected to recover fully. pic.twitter.com/W5EDpAC2Lo
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 24, 2024
After three seasons with San Francisco, Brown had his first stint with the Patriots before transferring to the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders. It was with the Raiders that Brown earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Meanwhile, he was a part of the Patriots roster that won Super Bowl LIII over the Los Angeles Rams.
If Brown is done for the season, Thielen could return to action because the Carolina Panthers placed him on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. However, the belief is that the veteran wide receiver will likely be available after the minimum four-week mandatory absence for players on IR.
After playing ten seasons with his hometown Minnesota Vikings, Thielen signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Panthers last year. He finished the 2023 season with 103 receptions for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. With Thielen sidelined until at least Week 7, his 2024 stats will hang at eight catches for 109 yards and a touchdown.
-Lance Fernandez