Joe Flacco hurting, Bengals prep Jake Browning for possible start vs. Bears

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th October, 13:07 2025

Oct 26, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) smiles during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

A shoulder injury limiting quarterback Joe Flacco could force the Cincinnati Bengals to reinsert Jake Browning in the starting spot for Sunday's meeting with the Chicago Bears.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said the team considers Flacco day-to-day and offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher voiced optimism on Wednesday that Flacco could still be ready by Sunday.

Flacco suffered an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder in last week's loss to the Jets. It was his third start since being acquired from the Cleveland Browns.

He had eight touchdowns and no interceptions with Cincinnati. Still, the Bengals went 1-2 with Flacco as its QB1.

Browning had an 0-3 record as a starter this season and was benched with the offense lagging. Cincinnati averaged 12.3 points with Browning running the first team.

Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was revitalized with Flacco in the lineup, catching an NFL-record-tying 38 passes for 346 yards and two touchdowns in the past three games. Only former Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (2018) has ever caught 38 passes in a three-game span.

The Bears (4-3) have allowed 185 points (26.4 per game) and 16 touchdown passes this season.

--Field Level Media

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