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Jake Browning Receives Curiously Timed Drug Test Request After Bengals’ Exhilarating Win

The NFL sent the rising quarterback a curious text after the game.

Tom Dierberger

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In his fourth career start, Bengals quarterback Jake Browning led his team back from a 14-point second-half deficit to defeat the Vikings 27–24 at Paycor Stadium.

Among the dozens of congratulatory texts he probably received after the game was a message from the NFL with a specific request.

“This is Joe, DCO on behalf of the NFL. You’re on my list for a urine steroid test tomorrow,” the text read, courtesy of Browning’s Instagram account. “I will be in the testing area from 9:30-12:30.”

All NFL players are subject to random drugs tests throughout the season, but this one arrives with interesting timing after Browning threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns on 29-of-42 passing against Minnesota.

The Bengals improved to 8–6 on the season and leaped back into the AFC playoff picture.

Cincinnati is 3–1 with Browning starting under center, with three straight wins over the Jaguars, Colts and Vikings.

The Bengals continue their magical ride with the backup quarterback next Saturday with a matchup against the rival Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.

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Tom Dierberger
TOM DIERBERGER

Tom Dierberger is a staff writer and editor on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated. He joined SI in November 2023 after stints at FOX Sports, Bally Sports and NBC Sports. Dierberger has a bachelor's in communication from St. John's University. In his spare time, he can be seen throwing out his arm while playing fetch with his dog, Walter B. Boy.

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