The Cincinnati Bengals are in one of the more confusing spots across the NFL heading into Week 9. Just when it seemed like they were back on track after picking up a major upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7, they suffered a stunning last-second loss to the New York Jets that took the wind out of their sails.
Now, the team has a challenging matchup with the Chicago Bears on their schedule in Week 9, and throughout the week, there have been serious questions regarding quarterback Joe Flacco‘s availability for this game as he deals with a shoulder injury. According to a recent report, though, the team has received an encouraging update on Flacco’s injury status ahead of this game.
Joe Flacco Expected to Suit Up for Bengals in Week 9
Cincinnati was dealt a pretty serious blow back in Week 2 when Joe Burrow suffered a toe injury that is expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025 campaign. Initially, Jake Browning was called upon to fill in for Burrow, but he played so poorly that it forced the team to go out and swing a trade with the Cleveland Browns for Flacco.
Through three games, Flacco has helped raise the team’s floor on offense significantly. And yet, the team only has one win to show for during that stretch, thanks in large part to the defense’s inability to stop the Jets in Week 8. At this point, it seems like the offense is going to have to win games in spite of its defense, especially with Trey Hendrickson being doubtful to suit up in Week 9.
If Flacco can’t play, too, the Bengals are likely going to be in serious trouble against the Bears. According to a recent report, though, it sounds like Flacco is going to at least start this game, but the team doesn’t know how his shoulder injury is going to react once he takes the field, so he will likely be heavily monitored if he does end up playing like he’s expected to.
“Bengals QB Joe Flacco is planning to start on Sunday, sources say, barring something unforeseen with his AC joint sprain in his right shoulder,” Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared in a post on X. “There was optimism after Thursday’s practice and that continued this weekend. No one knows how it’ll react. But he’s giving it a shot.”
Who Will Play at Quarterback for the Bengals if Joe Flacco Can’t Go?
GettyCincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Flacco #16.
While it’s good to see that Flacco is expected to play, his shoulder injury isn’t going to magically go away once he takes the field. If something happens to him, that would force Browning back into the action, and considering how poorly he played earlier in the season, the Bengals are likely hoping they aren’t forced into throwing him back into the fire.
Chicago seems set to offer Cincy a big challenge in this one, but it is worth noting that they lost to a Baltimore Ravens team that was without Lamar Jackson at quarterback in Week 8. If Flacco does play, the Bengals should have a decent shot at getting back in the win column. Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon, and while Flacco appears set to give it a shot and suit up for this one, it will be worth checking back in on him before kickoff.
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