Let’s see if I have this straight. On Wednesday, Butch cuts his third-string quarterback, citing the extremely rare chance that Josh Booty would ever be needed. Four days later, his starting quarterback breaks his leg. The coach remains more or less in denial for four days, holding out hope that Holcomb might still start next Sunday. Now Butch is hoping that Holcomb could still back up Tim Couch against Cincy, so that he doesn’t have to bring back Booty. Meanwhile Booty has tried out for San Diego, who will be gearing up to play the Browns on October 19. The fallback option is Nate Hybl, the undrafted rookie now on the practice squad.

It looks like, no matter what, Butch will need to sacrifice the roster spot he gained by cutting Booty (and signing guard Craig Osika) in order to have an emergency quarterback available. And we may well end feeding QB tartar to the win-hungry Bengals, rather than a strong-armed vet who’s been in the system since 2001.

Nice “strategery” there, chief. Now go pick up your phone message from the Pentagon: they’re in need of your type of long-term thinking.