Bengals' Brandon Allen: Likely Week 18 starter

Allen is expected to start Sunday's game against the Browns, while Joe Burrow (knee/finger) will be rested ahead of the postseason, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

The Bengals haven't officially ruled out Burrow, who isn't in line to start but could still be active in a backup role. Meanwhile, running back Joe Mixon (reserve/COVID-19 list) is also expected to miss the game, and the Bengals could look to hold out or limit other key starters with little on the line Week 18 in terms of playoff positioning. Allen has attempted only five passes this season, after making five starts in 2020. He guided Cincinnati to a 1-4 record in those outings while completing 90 of 142 passes for 925 yards, five touchdowns and four interceptions.