The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a disappointing Week 8 loss to the New York Jets, who came into the matchup 0-7. Joe Flacco, near the end of the game, was seen heading towards the locker room before coming back out for the final drive.
While Flacco came back onto the field in Week 8, during practice ahead of Week 9 vs the Chicago Bears, Flacco's game status was up in the air.
After Friday's practice, Flacco said that he felt good, some hope that he could play on Sunday. Ben Baby of ESPN reports that head coach Zac Taylor shared the final injury update on Flacco, as the 40-year-old quarterback is listed as questionable for Week 9.
Joe Flacco listed as 'questionable' for Week 9 vs. Bears
"Bengals QB Joe Flacco will be questionable this week, Zac Taylor said." Baby reports. "Taylor: 'We'll see where it goes.' Taylor added that Flacco looked good at Thursday's practice."
Bengals QB Joe Flacco will be questionable this week, Zac Taylor said. Taylor: “We’ll see where it goes.”
Taylor added that Flacco looked good at Thursday’s practice.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) October 31, 2025
The Bengals are listing Flacco as questionable due to the shoulder issue in his throwing shoulder. While he's questionable, Taylor's comment that Flacco looked good in practice, and Flacco expressing he felt good, there's a bit more hope that Flacco can start for Cincinnati.
A match-up against the Bears is a huge one. If the Bengals wind up losing, then their playoff chances will take a big hit. At 3-6, the Bengals would only be a half-game up on the Baltimore Ravens, and would at best be a game and a half behind the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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But a win would have the Bengals within striking distance of the NFC North lead. Even if their chances of winning the division are slim, winning in Week 9 would go a long way to give the Bengals a chance.
Flacco being in at quarterback is the best chance for Cincinnati to win, as Jake Browning has struggled when he's been the starter this season. Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown have been at their best with Flacco.
For now, Flacco is questionable for the Week 9 matchup against the Bears. There is optimism that he could play, but whether he's actually playing or not is still unknown.
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