Joe Flacco is planning to start this Sunday for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Chicago Bears despite an AC‑joint sprain in his right shoulder.
USATSI 27389676 168400517 lowres
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) runs off before a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The Bengals won, 33-31.
Flacco’s status was listed as questionable after sustaining the shoulder injury during last week’s loss to the New York Jets. He missed Wednesday’s practice, was limited on Thursday, and did not participate on Friday. Still, the plan remains to have him under center unless a sudden setback emerges.
#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
The Bengals acquired Flacco in early October, turning to his veteran presence after backup Jake Browning struggled in multiple starts. With the team sitting at 3‑5, the urgency is real.
Flacco himself commented: “I feel pretty good. You don’t want to just assume you’re gonna be able to throw …” That speaks to him acknowledging the risk but wanting the opportunity.
Coach Zac Taylor acknowledged the uncertainty: “There was optimism … but no one knows how the shoulder will react once the game starts.”
If Flacco plays, Cincinnati will rely on his veteran leadership to guide the offense, maintain rhythm, and limit mistakes. His presence could help the team stay competitive, manage the game effectively, and provide stability amid a challenging season.
Joe Flacco’s Availability Could Decide Bengals’ Offensive Rhythm Against Bears
Having Flacco available keeps the Bengals’ offense from retracing Browning’s steps of low‑output performances. With a 64.3 % completion rate and seven touchdowns in his first three starts for Cincinnati, Flacco made an immediate impact.
Against the Chicago Bears, who have allowed 16 passing touchdowns through seven games this season, the matchup favors a veteran who can make smart throws and control tempo.
If Flacco can stabilize the offense and avoid mistakes, the Bengals could exploit a defense that has struggled with consistency, gaining a significant advantage.
From a tactical lens, the Bears must try to pressure him early and make him throw on the move. If Flacco keeps his cadence smooth and connects with his top receivers, the Bengals’ momentum could build.
Conversely, if the shoulder bothers him when forced into uncomfortable throws, the Bears’ defense can exploit it.
In short, Flacco’s availability might tip how Cincinnati uses its play‑calling: more rhythm and quick release if he’s full speed; more conservative if not.
Assuming he’s under center, Flacco’s readiness becomes one of the key storylines for this Bengals‑Bears matchup and a gauge of whether Cincinnati can still spark a late‑season surge.