The NFL season is in full swing. As happens every year, injuries are rearing their ugly heads. As fantasy football managers prepare to set Week 9 lineups, it’s important to stay informed on the latest injury news. Joe Flacco missed some practice time this week due to injury. What is his current status and outlook for this week?
Is Joe Flacco Playing Week 9?
Flacco sustained the shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of the Cincinnati Bengals’ 39-38 loss to the Jets when he was sacked by edge rusher Will McDonald IV. He briefly went to the locker room for evaluation while backup Jake Browning began warming up on the sidelines.
However, Flacco returned to finish the game and complete the team’s final drive. Head coach Zac Taylor initially described the injury as day-to-day following Monday’s press conference, indicating the team would evaluate it throughout the week.
Wednesday brought more concerning news when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed the full extent of the injury. According to Rapoport, ‘Bengals QB Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder & his status is up in the air for Sunday vs the Bears, sources say. Flacco left the loss to the Jets, then came back late. Taylor called him day-to-day. Jake Browning is the backup’.
Flacco did not practice on Wednesday. He returned for a limited session on Thursday, where Taylor said Flacco looked good. Flacco himself said he felt pretty good.
However, Flacco did not practice on Friday, marking a second absence from practice this week. The problem is the injury affects Flacco’s right shoulder, which is his throwing shoulder. AC joint sprains typically require a couple of weeks to heal properly, making this a significant concern for his Week 9 availability.
Flacco has been in the league for 18 years. He can play with minimal practice preparation. But the Friday absence is an ominous sign.
Flacco is looking like a true gametime decision, but Ian Rapaport reported that Flacco is “planning to start” this week.
Flacco’s Fantasy Football Outlook
Flacco’s potential absence would be devastating for fantasy managers who have relied on Cincinnati’s offensive weapons since his arrival. The veteran quarterback has revitalized the Bengals’ passing attack since being acquired in a trade three weeks ago.
Most notably, Ja’Marr Chase has thrived with Flacco under center. The star receiver struggled mightily with Browning earlier in the season but has returned to elite fantasy production since Flacco took over as the starter.
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If Flacco can’t go, the Bengals will be forced to turn back to Browning, who was such a disaster that it prompted the team to trade for the 40-year-old in the first place. Browning’s previous struggles highlighted just how dependent this offense is on competent quarterback play.
The entire Cincinnati offense would need to be downgraded if they have to go back to Browning. Chase would lose significant fantasy value, as would running back Chase Brown and WR Tee Higgins, who have all benefited from Flacco’s veteran presence.
Fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility that Browning starts Sunday. The Bengals simply cannot afford another setback at the quarterback position as they fight to salvage their season.