Joe Flacco Trending Toward Playing as Bengals Face Bears

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco’s chances of suiting up this weekend look far more promising than they did earlier in the week. After missing practice time due to a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, Flacco said he felt “pretty good” heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Bears. While head coach Zac Taylor stopped short of naming the 40-year-old as the starter, both player and coach expressed cautious optimism that he’ll be available.

“I thought he did a nice job out there,” Taylor said Friday. “I saw what we would hope to see for a guy to be able to play on Sunday. Now we’ll just work through the next few days to see where it ends up.”

Flacco’s status has been the central storyline for a Bengals team seeking stability at quarterback amid a challenging start to the season. Cincinnati enters the matchup at 3-5, needing a win before heading into its bye week to stay within striking distance in the AFC playoff race.

Flacco, listed as questionable, was in uniform at Friday’s practice but did not participate in drills during the open portion of the session. Backup quarterback Jake Browning handled the first-team snaps to ensure he’s ready should Flacco be unable to go.

1. Balancing Recovery and Readiness

Since joining Cincinnati in a midseason trade before Week 6, Flacco has provided a steadying presence under center. The veteran has thrown seven touchdowns without an interception, guiding an offense that had struggled with inconsistency. His experience and composure have been valuable to a young Bengals roster adjusting to early-season adversity. Flacco’s injury, however, has tested that momentum. The AC joint sprain, sustained in Week 8, has limited his throwing capacity and required daily evaluation. Despite the setback, Flacco said the shoulder has improved steadily throughout the week, though it remains vulnerable to aggravation. “I think it’s just one of those things where you see how it feels each day,” Flacco said. “I’ve been around long enough to know that sometimes you just need to see how your body responds, but the goal is always to be ready.” Taylor echoed that sentiment, noting that the coaching staff is preparing for multiple outcomes. “We’ll have both guys ready,” he said. “Joe’s progress has been encouraging, but we’ll make the call based on what gives us the best chance to win on Sunday.”

2. A Familiar Mindset of Toughness

If there’s one thing that defines Joe Flacco’s career, it’s his willingness to play through pain. Over 18 NFL seasons, the former Super Bowl MVP has earned a reputation for durability and competitiveness. That mindset, he says, hasn’t changed — even at 40 years old. Flacco recalled an example from 2013 when he missed the birth of his second child to start a Week 2 game for the Baltimore Ravens, a contest they won against the Cleveland Browns. “That was always just the mindset — getting to the point where I can play and working toward that,” he said. “It’s no different now. The only thing that would stop me is if I just can’t go.” Teammates have praised Flacco’s leadership since his arrival, describing him as calm, focused, and fully invested in helping the Bengals rebound from a slow start. Offensive lineman Ted Karras said Flacco’s influence extends beyond the huddle. “He brings a confidence to the group,” Karras said. “When he’s out there, everyone feels like we can execute.” With a bye week ahead, the Bengals are weighing whether to rest their veteran quarterback or let him compete in what could be a pivotal game for their season trajectory. Flacco, for his part, appears intent on playing if physically possible.

3. Bengals Eye Stability Before the Bye

Sunday’s matchup with Chicago comes at a critical time for Cincinnati. The Bengals have lost three of their last four games, and a victory would not only keep postseason hopes alive but also provide much-needed momentum before the midseason break. If Flacco starts, his presence could bring immediate benefits against a Bears defense that has shown vulnerability in the secondary. However, the coaching staff must also balance short-term gains against long-term health — particularly with Flacco’s shoulder still recovering. Jake Browning remains the contingency plan, ready to step in if the veteran experiences discomfort during pregame warmups or early in the contest. Regardless of who starts, Taylor emphasized the need for discipline and execution on both sides of the ball. “Our focus is on playing cleaner football,” Taylor said. “Whether it’s Joe or Jake, we’ve got to control what we can and find a way to finish drives.”