Is Bengals QB Joe Flacco Playing Against the Patriots Amid Injury?

The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into Week 12 with more uncertainty at quarterback, something fans have gotten used to this season. Joe Flacco finished the game against the Steelers after taking a hard hit from T.J. Watt, who drove him into the ground and drew a flag.

Afterward, Zac Taylor said Flacco was “OK,” but that did not bring much clarity about whether he will actually be ready for Sunday. As of now, the team is keeping things quiet and monitoring him day by day. With the Bengals sitting at 3-7, on a three-game losing streak and preparing for the 9-2 Patriots at home, this situation could hang over the rest of the week.

Flacco has already been playing through an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, and it looked like he aggravated it again in Pittsburgh. His performance showed it, too. One week after throwing for 470 yards and four touchdowns, he managed only 199 yards in the loss to the Steelers and added a pick-six. It was clear he was battling discomfort, and the hit from Watt did not help.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco.Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Who Plays if Flacco Cannot Go?

Right now, Jake Browning is next in line if Flacco cannot suit up. Browning has played four games this season, throwing six touchdowns and eight interceptions. Sean Clifford would be behind him. Joe Burrow has been out since Week 4 with a turf toe injury, and even though his 21-day return window is open, this was never expected to be the week he returns. Burrow did log a complete practice this week.

The Bengals have a tough stretch coming up, with road games against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving and the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 7 after hosting the New England Patriots.

Flacco has played well since arriving midseason from Cleveland, throwing for 1,453 yards and 12 touchdowns with just three interceptions in five games. Cincinnati would like him available, but his status will likely remain unclear until closer to game day.

A Team Waiting on Answers

With the season slipping away and the offense searching for answers, every update matters. The Bengals need to know which direction they are heading at quarterback, and fans will be watching the injury report all week. The Cincinnati offense will need to be strong to keep up with a defense that is dead last in the NFL allowing 418.2 yards and 33.4 points per game.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Saturday that Burrow will not be removed from IR this week and that Flacco is expected to start against New England. Whether it is Flacco playing through pain or Browning getting another shot or the long-awaited return of Burrow, Cincinnati simply needs steady play to stay competitive against a Patriots team coming in as the hottest team in the league.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Is Bengals QB Joe Flacco Playing Against the Patriots Amid Injury?

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