The Cincinnati Bengals are heading into a pivotal Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears. A loss, and the Bengals could be facing a significant uphill battle to make it to the playoffs. A win, and the Bengals have a chance to go on a run.
With the matchup against a leaky Bears defense on tap, the Bengals were facing a serious issue. Joe Flacco, who's been a huge addition since being acquired from the Cleveland Browns, was questionable as he dealt with an AC Joint sprain in his throwing shoulder.
Amid concerns he wouldn't play, the Bengals got some good news a day before the Week 9 matchup. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Flacco is expected to suit up for Cincinnati, playing through the tough shoulder injury.
Bengals' Joe Flacco plans to start Week 9 vs. Bears
"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 reports.
#Bengals QB Joe Flacco is planning to start on Sunday, sources say, barring something unforeseen with his AC joint sprain in his right shoulder.
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. pic.twitter.com/IQBsOpjh6i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 1, 2025
This bit of news is huge for the Bengals. Heading into a must-win matchup in Week 9, Flacco is the Bengals' best chance at a win.
Jake Browning struggled a lot when he was tasked to be Joe Burrow's backup. He struggled so much that the Bengals went out and acquired Flacco to try and keep their season alive.
More: Jets defensive coordinator calls Bengals' Joe Flacco a Hall of Famer
While Bronwing isn't the worst backup in the league, the Bengals' offense with Flacco has been significantly better than without him.
There was concern with Flacco at the beginning of the week, between his late locker room visit against the New York Jets and his limited practice participation. But, after improved practices during the week, Flacco started to trend towards starting.
Now, according to Rapoport, the Bengals are likely to get Flacco on the field as a starter in a pivotal Week 9 matchup. The 40-year-old is planning to play through an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, as he tries to keep Cincinnati's season alive.
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