The Cincinnati Bengals traded for Joe Flacco early in the season to keep their 2025 playoff hopes alive. While Flacco has been great, the defense has let him down, leading to Cincinnati being 1-3 since he took over.
But, at 3-6, the Bengals still have a chance to come back and make a run in the AFC North. That has allowed Joe Burrow to potentially return as early as Week 13.
Despite Burrow's looming return to the Bengals, Flacco isn't concerned. In a piece from Nick Shook of NFL.com, Flacco revealed his thoughts on his starting job disappearing once Burrow is back, and why it doesn't bother him.
Why Joe Flacco is unbothered by Joe Burrow's looming return to the Bengals
"I don't know, I think backups probably do it a good amount when they know, like, 'Hey, this guy's coming back, he's got a three-week injury of whatever it is,'" Flacco said. "I'm honestly not really thinking about it. It's not really a part of my process. I really don't care."
The Bengals getting Burrow back would be a nice boost, even if Flacco continues to play well for Cincinnati. His return would likely mean the Bengals are still in the playoff race, and he could help Cincinnati sneak in over the AFC North opponents.
While the Pittsburgh Steelers lead the North, they're only 5-4 and very beatable. The Baltimore Ravens are 4-5, and with two matchups coming up against Baltimore, the Bengals could easily leapfrog Lamar Jackson and the Ravens for the division.
More: NFL writer highlights three brutal stats that show how bad the Bengals' defense is in 2025
Flacco has impressed this season, and the 40-year-old quarterback could have played himself into another contract in 2026. But when Burrow returns, he won't have a chance to further prove himself worthy of such a deal in 2026.
While Flacco could lose his starting job soon, once Burrow returns, as Flacco said, "So it's not really something I'm worried about."
Flacco isn't concerned about Burrow's looming return to the Bengals' starting lineup, as he's focusing on beating the Steelers in Week 11 to keep the Bengals' playoff dreams alive.
More Bengals News:
- Ja'Marr Chase shares brutal NSFW opinion on Bengals' defensive collapse vs. Bears
- Bengals receive B+ grade for Logan Wilson Cowboys trade
- Trey Hendrickson defends Chase Brown after NSFW comments on Bengals' defense
- AFC North standings: What Steelers' loss means for Ravens' chances in division race
- NFL insider reveals why Bengals didn't trade Trey Hendrickson
- Bengals receive B+ grade for Logan Wilson Cowboys trade