The Cincinnati Bengals acquired quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns earlier this season to help them while superstar QB Joe Burrow is out with an injury. In two games with the Bengals, Flacco has led the team to a 1-1 record and has performed well in both games. However, he is now dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, and his status for Sunday’s game against Chicago is unclear.
Joe Flacco Injury Update
Joe Flacco sprained the AC joint in his throwing shoulder late in the Bengals’ 39-38 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. He went to the locker room briefly before returning to finish the game. On Wednesday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reported that Flacco would not participate in practice.
#Bengals QB Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder & his status is up in the air for Sunday vs the #Bears, sources say.
Flacco left the loss to the #Jets, then came back late. Coach Zac Taylor called him day-to-day. Jake Browning is the backup. pic.twitter.com/ZxblNXiY5N
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2025
Is Joe Flacco Playing Week 9?
Joe Flacco is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Bears. The 40-year-old QB has played seven games this season for the Browns and Bengals, and performed relatively well considering his age. As things stand, there appears to be around a 50% chance that he will play on Sunday. Fans will likely get a better idea of his status based on his practice designation on Thursday and Friday.
If Flacco is unable to play, Jake Browning will likely get the start. Browning started three games for the Bengals this season after Burrow’s injury and before the trade for Flacco.
Joe Flacco Fantasy Outlook
The Cincinnati Bengals are one of the most flawed teams in the league. They have a dynamic offense, even without Joe Burrow. Joe Flacco has been able to step in and put up good stats despite his advanced age. However, the Bengals also have one of the worst defenses in the league.
While that is a hindrance to the team’s ability to win, it does not hurt Flacco’s fantasy viability. According to Fantasy Pros, Flacco is the No. 13-ranked fantasy QB when healthy. If he is healthy, Flacco is worthy of a start in many fantasy leagues.
His long-term fantasy outlook should be good, considering Joe Burrow is not expected to return until late in the season. However, he should not be the QB you rely on for your fantasy playoffs because he might no longer be the starter.
Read More:
“Fire Zac Taylor” Trends After Bengals Blow 15-Point Lead in Shocking Loss to Winless Jets
NFL Fantasy Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Week 9 WR: Top Players to Target, Best Waiver Wire Picks, and More
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
