Browning, who has been starting in replacement of injured quarterback Joe Burrow, is likely to hit the bench soon after the Cincinnati Bengals acquired quarterback Joe Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday.

University of Washington alum Jake Browning likely has his days as the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals numbered, as the team traded for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco on Tuesday.

According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Bengals sent a fifth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns for Flacco. He began the year as the starting quarterback in Cleveland, but was just benched in favor of rookie Dillon Gabriel.

Browning has struggled this season, throwing six touchdowns against eight interceptions. The Bengals are 2-3, but they remain in second place in the AFC North. Browning had been starting in relief of superstar Joe Burrow, who was injured during a Week 2 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

A veteran of three NFL seasons, Browning has only seen NFL action with the Bengals, playing nine games in the 2023 campaign, another year in which Burrow was hurt.

As for Flacco, he's a veteran of 18 NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, Browns and Indianapolis Colts. He won a Super Bowl with the Ravens, winning Super Bowl MVP honors, and he recently led the Browns to the playoffs in 2023. He's just 1-3 this season with two touchdowns and six interceptions.

The Bengals beat him in Week 1. 

The Bengals will play the Green Bay Packers this upcoming Sunday. It's unclear if Flacco will be ready in time to start that game or if Browning will get another opportunity. 

With regards to Browning's time with the Huskies, he was one of the most decorated Washington quarterbacks in history. He led the team to a Rose Bowl appearance in 2019, where they lost to Ohio State.

The current Huskies are 4-1 on the campaign, having beaten Colorado State, UC Davis, Washington State and Maryland. They'll be back in action this upcoming Friday against Rutgers at Husky Stadium.

They will be on the road for a marquee matchup at No. 15 Michigan on Oct. 18.