Cincinnati Bengals Stars Help With Charitable Cause During Day Off
A pair of Bengals gave back to the community on their off-day morning. Guard Jalen Rivers and center Ted Karras linked up with Operation Ramp It Up to build a home ramp for a veteran in need.
Operation Ramp It Up is a wonderful family organization that pulls together funds for and builds home ramps that go to not only veterans but all kinds of differently-abled people around the country.
They have worked with the Bengals multiple times to set up projects like this one. It's another instance of the impact Cincinnati's players make in the community.
Karras and the Bengals are trying to bounce back this week against the Bears after arguably the worst loss of the Zac Taylor era this past Sunday, 39-38 to the Jets.
"I know I didn't," Karras said about thinking their 11-point lead was safe at halftime. "I can't speak for everyone else. But I don't relax until it's (over). And obviously, it's a three-hour fight that we lost. … We let the Jets come in and beat us today. Horrendous."
The Bengals' next game is this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET against the Bears.
Check out more on Operation Ramp It Up here and a photo of the big fellas at work from FOX19's Jeremy Rauch below:
Ted Karras and Jalen Rivers going to work on their off day.
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) October 28, 2025
Building a ramp for a local veteran. #Bengals @FOX19 @CincyHat @_teddy_k pic.twitter.com/WTolPn0HJd
Quarterback Situation: Dillon Gabriel Replaces Joe Flacco but Falls Short of Expectations, Team to Give Him Another Shot Against Jets on November 9th
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has officially taken over as the starting quarterback for the team, replacing veteran Joe Flacco. However, Gabriel's tenure as the starter has not lived up to the expectations set by the coaching staff, with a 1-3 record since taking the reins. Despite the team's struggles, Gabriel has shown flashes of potential but has been inconsistent in his performances.
The 1-3 record since Gabriel became the starter has sparked concerns, but the team remains committed to giving the rookie more time to develop and prove himself. Head coach John Harbaugh addressed the situation in a recent press conference, expressing confidence that Gabriel could still become the long-term answer at quarterback. “We believe in Dillon’s potential,” Harbaugh said. “It’s not an easy transition, and there are a lot of areas we know he needs to improve, but we’re giving him another opportunity. He’s our guy moving forward, and we’re confident he’ll show progress.”
Gabriel’s debut as a starting quarterback has been a mix of highs and lows. He has had some solid moments, including a couple of impressive drives, but his inability to maintain consistency and struggles with turnovers have held back the offense. Despite this, Gabriel has remained upbeat, focusing on his development and the learning process that comes with being a rookie in the NFL.
“Every game is a chance to learn,” Gabriel said after a recent loss. “I know I have to be better, and I’m taking responsibility for the mistakes I’ve made. I’m working hard every day to improve, and I know that with more experience, I’ll start making those plays that we need to win games.”
The team’s decision to stick with Gabriel as the starting quarterback comes as a reflection of their belief in his long-term potential. The upcoming game against the New York Jets on November 9th will be an important opportunity for Gabriel to prove he can handle the pressure and lead the team to victory.
Harbaugh and the coaching staff are hopeful that the experience Gabriel gains over the next few weeks will help him grow into the leader they envision for the future. The Jets game is critical for Gabriel, not only in terms of securing his starting position but also in determining the team’s direction at quarterback for the remainder of the season.
For now, the team is placing their trust in Gabriel, giving him the chance to prove that he is capable of leading the team and living up to the promise that made him the starting choice over Flacco. How he performs in the next game will be crucial in shaping his future with the team.
