Since being traded from the Cleveland Browns, Joe Flacco has injected new life into the Cincinnati Bengals. Although the team is just 1-2 with Flacco as the starter, the offense has become much more effective, even securing a victory against their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Unfortunately for the Bengals, this newfound momentum hit a snag. Flacco suffered a shoulder injury late in their Week 8 game against the New York Jets, and his availability for the upcoming Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears is now uncertain. Here is the latest on the quarterback’s status.
How Will Joe Flacco’s Injury Impact the Bengals’ Offense?
Flacco sustained the shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of the game against the Jets, but managed to finish the contest without missing any time. The situation, however, remains fluid. “We’ll see,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor, when asked about Flacco’s status for Week 9. “He will be Questionable. Practiced yesterday. We will see where it goes.”
While the exact severity of the injury is unknown, it is officially listed as an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. His return to practice is a positive sign that he is trending toward playing sooner rather than later, but his status for Sunday remains uncertain.
#UPDATE: On Saturday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed that Flacco is planning to play in Week 9.
“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 wrote on X. “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.”
Flacco is ranked as the No. 30 quarterback in PFSN’s quarterback impact rankings with a 65.3 (D) score. However, despite his low season-long ranking, his performance has taken a massive leap since joining his new team.
In three games with Cincinnati, Flacco has completed 64.3% of his passes for 784 yards, with seven touchdowns and no interceptions, plus a rushing touchdown. Those numbers are a huge improvement from the 58.1% completion percentage, 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions he recorded in four games as the Browns’ starter earlier in 2025.
MORE: When Will Joe Burrow Return? Latest Update on Bengals Star’s Injury
Much of that improved play can be attributed to the stellar supporting cast he has in Cincinnati. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown have all contributed to Flacco’s return to form, and in turn, Flacco’s presence has boosted their statistics.
Chase has been the biggest beneficiary, receiving a whopping 54 targets in three games with Flacco under center. The former LSU star has turned those targets into 38 receptions for 346 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
What Does This Mean for the Bengals’ Playoff Push?
While his official status is listed as questionable, Flacco appears to be in good spirits ahead of the matchup with the Bears.
“I feel good,” Flacco told reporters when asked about the injury. “Listen, I’ve never really talked about injuries before, so I don’t know what to say, but I feel good.”
Currently, Cincinnati is tied with the Baltimore Ravens for second place in the AFC North with a 3-5 record. A loss in Week 9 would drop the Bengals to third place in the division and damage their position in the Wild Card race.
If Flacco was unable to go, Jake Browning would have returned to the starting lineup. Browning is ranked last among 37 qualified quarterbacks in PFSN’s quarterback impact rankings with a 49.2 (F) score. Flacco’s status will continue to get closely monitored as the game approaches, as the Bengals look to stay afloat in the AFC playoff race until a potential late-season return from Joe Burrow.
