A shoulder injury to quarterback Joe Flacco has created uncertainty for the Cincinnati Bengals. They may be forced to start Jake Browning in Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears.
Head Coach Zac Taylor officially listed Flacco as “day-to-day” on Wednesday. The veteran quarterback did not practice and was described as “50-50” to play this weekend.
Despite the AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, sustained in last week’s loss to the New York Jets, Flacco has expressed a strong desire to be in the lineup.
“He wants to play. I hate speaking for him, but that’s what he told me,” Taylor said. The coach credited Flacco’s commitment. He noted that the quarterback, who was not with the team during the offseason, could easily use the upcoming bye week to heal. However, he is instead pushing to play.
Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder and his status for Sunday is “up in the air” according to @RapSheet pic.twitter.com/397YKVYuUP
— SleeperBengals (@SleeperBengals) October 29, 2025If Flacco is unable to suit up, the Bengals would turn back to Jake Browning. Browning began the season as the starter. He posted a 0-3 record, with the offence averaging just 12.3 points per game under his direction.
His potential return contrasts sharply with the recent offensive spark provided by Flacco. In his three starts, Flacco threw for seven touchdowns and ran for another without throwing an interception.
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Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has notably flourished with Flacco at quarterback. In the past three games, Chase has tied an NFL record by catching 38 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns. This production level he did not reach with Browning.
The Bengals’ opponent, the Chicago Bears, enters the game with a 4-3 record. Their defence has allowed an average of 26.4 points and 16 touchdown passes this season. The final decision on the starting quarterback will likely be a game-time determination. It will be based on Flacco’s health and practice participation later in the week.
