Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals are 3-5, with an upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears. They’re looking to bounce back after falling to the New York Jets 39-38 in Week 8.
Despite losing, Flacco was solid against the Jets, throwing for 223 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions with a 100.5 passer rating. However, his availability to play against the Bears has been a big question.
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On the Bengals’ final injury report of the week, he was listed as questionable with a shoulder injury. He didn’t participate in practice on Wednesday or Friday but was limited on Thursday.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco.Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
However, on Saturday, just a day before playing the Bears, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that unless there is a major setback, Flacco is planning to start.
“#Bengals QB Joe Flacco is planning to start on Sunday, sources say, barring something unforeseen with his AC joint sprain in his right shoulder,” Rapoport wrote. “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.”
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Since being traded to the Bengals, the 40-year-old quarterback has made three starts. Flacco has completed 81-of-126 passes for 784 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions with a 100.1 passer rating.
He came in and replaced Jake Browning, who’d assumed the starting spot after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2, which required surgery.
Despite not having much practice time during the week, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is still confident in Flacco.
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“If anyone in this league can get by with minimal reps, it’s him,” Taylor said while talking to reporters earlier in the week.
The Bengals have until 90 minutes before kickoff to officially decide whether Flacco will be active against the Bears.
The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium, airing on CBS.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.