Quarterback Joe Flacco’s shoulder injury has put his availability in doubt for the Cincinnati Bengals’ upcoming game against the Chicago Bears, potentially paving the way for Jake Browning to return as the starter.
Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed that Flacco, who sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder during last week’s loss to the New York Jets, is being evaluated “day-to-day.” Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher expressed optimism that the veteran could still play, but Taylor said Flacco’s chances of starting Sunday are “50-50.”
“Joe wants to play. I hate speaking for him, but that’s what he told me,” Taylor said. “For a guy who wasn’t here in the offseason or part of training camp, it would be easy for him to sit out with a bye week coming up — but that’s not his mindset.”
Since joining Cincinnati from the Cleveland Browns, Flacco has started three games, throwing seven touchdown passes and rushing for another without an interception. Despite his solid performance, the Bengals have gone 1-2 with him under center.
If Flacco is sidelined, Jake Browning will step back in. Browning went 0-3 as a starter earlier this season, with the Bengals averaging just 12.3 points per game during his starts before he was benched.
Flacco’s presence has also reignited wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who tied an NFL record with 38 receptions over the past three games, totaling 346 yards and two touchdowns — a feat previously achieved only by Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints in 2018.
The Bengals (3-5) face a Chicago Bears team (4-3) that has allowed 185 points this season — an average of 26.4 per game — along with 16 passing touchdowns. Flacco’s status will likely remain uncertain until game day, but his determination to play suggests the decision may come down to the wire.
