The Chicago Bears are heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals with a renewed sense of optimism, and it has everything to do with the health status of Bengals starting quarterback Joe Flacco.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, putting his availability for this week “up in the air.” While Bengals head coach Zac Taylor labeled his veteran quarterback as “day-to-day,” the potential absence of Flacco could dramatically shift the outlook of this game.
Bears Could Catch a Major Break with Joe Flacco’s Injury Status
GettyCincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Flacco #16.
Flacco has been one of the most important additions to Cincinnati’s offense this season. After starting the year with the Cleveland Browns, he was traded to the Bengals in a midseason move that sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round selection.
The former Super Bowl MVP quickly found himself starting for a second AFC North team in one season, and he hasn’t disappointed.
Since taking over, Flacco has delivered steady, poised football. Across three appearances, he has completed 64.3% of his throws for 784 yards, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Those numbers reflect not only his efficiency but also his experience in protecting the football and making winning plays.
Without question, Flacco represents Cincinnati’s best chance at maintaining their offensive flow. A shoulder sprain, however, brings serious doubt to his reliability for Sunday, especially when it’s on his throwing arm.
If he sits or is limited, it could create a major advantage for a Bears’ defense that could use all the help they can get.
Jake Browning Starting Would Give Chicago a Noticeably Easier Matchup
GettyIvan Pace Jr. #0 of the Minnesota Vikings tackles Jake Browning #6 of the Cincinnati Bengals.
If Flacco can’t suit up Sunday, the Bengals will turn back to QB Jake Browning, who hasn’t been as impressive as Flacco.
In four starts this year, Browning completed 64.5% of his passes for 757 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions. While the completion rate nearly mirrors Flacco’s, the drastically different TD-to-INT ratio tells the real story. Instead of providing stability while Joe Burrow recovers, Browning often gave opposing defenses opportunities.
Under head coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the Bears’ defense are not just one of the best at creating turnovers, they are the best. Chicago currently leads the NFL with 16 turnovers, and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
If Cincinnati’s offense starts to sputter with Browning under center, it would make it easier for a defense that feasts on creating takeaways.
From a strategic standpoint, the Bears would much rather face Browning than a red-hot Flacco, who has yet to throw an interception in a Bengals uniform. The Bengals can only hope their veteran savior can suit up, but if the shoulder injury holds him back, the Bears suddenly gain a huge edge.
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