The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense has struggled mightily to replace Joe Burrow, and it might not wind up being backup quarterback Jake Browning on the field Sunday.
After losing a third consecutive game Sunday against the Detroit Lions, the Bengals traded a fifth-round draft choice to the Cleveland Browns, in exchange for quarterback Joe Flacco and a sixth-round pick.
Could the Bengals Play Joe Flacco vs. Packers?
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) reacts after an offensive penalty was called in the red zone during the second half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field, Sept. 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
It remains to be seen whether it will be Browning or Flacco behind center when the Bengals square off against the Packers on Sunday afternoon at Lambeau Field.
While it would be a tall order to prepare 40-year-old Flacco to play the Packers, in just over four days, head coach Matt LaFleur, defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and Green Bay must now spend valuable practice reps preparing for the possibility that it will be Flacco leading the Bengals’ offense in Week 6.
Flacco also has the rare opportunity to beat the Packers twice in a regular season, without being a division rival, after surviving 13-10 in Cleveland back in Week 3.
Cincinnati’s offense has been stuck in neutral under Browning, after being outscored 113-37 over the past three weeks without Burrow and while it remains to be seen how much added upside Flacco is capable of providing, the Packers are the first team with the opportunity to find out.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) looks downfield for a receiver during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Huntington Bank Field, Sept. 21, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.