TL;DR
- * Joe Flacco is questionable for the Bengals' Week 9 game with a sprained AC joint.
- * If Flacco cannot play, Jake Browning would start at quarterback for the Bengals.
- * All signs point to Flacco starting, despite not practicing Friday, to manage his injury.
- * Flacco's potential presence is important for receiver Ja'Marr Chase's performance.
The Cincinnati Bengals are already missing one Joe quarterback due to injury in Joe Burrow.
They don't need that to double in Week 9 vs. The Chicago Bears with Joe Flacco.
Flacco is questionable for the Bengals' Sunday afternoon clash.
The veteran has a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder.
If Flacco can't go, Jake Browning would start.
Flacco playing today?
"All signs point to Flacco" starting on Sunday for the Bengals, according to the team's official website.
He didn't practice Friday, but it appears Cincinnati was doing its best to manage his injury rather than to leave him out of action.
Flacco practiced Thursday, and he told reporters he was "happy with how it went."
"I thought he did a nice job out there," coach Zac Taylor said of Thursday's practice. "I saw what we would hope to see for a guy to be able to play on Sunday. Now we'll just work through the next few days to see where it ends up."
There'll still be a bit of suspense heading into the inactive report, but Flacco's arrow is pointing up.
His presence is big for Ja'Marr Chase, who has played much better with Flacco at the helm than when Browning played.
Additional NFL updates:
- Romeo Doubs' Guardian Cap will have a new appearance in Week 9.
- Why the Titans Ought to Spend $113 Million on Tyreek Hill
- The Bills' need for a wide receiver like A.J. Brown carries a negative precedent set by Amari Cooper.
- The Indianapolis Colts, currently at a 7-1 record, must consider acquiring a new quarterback.
- The Packers have a single, obvious weakness they need to address before the NFL trade deadline.
- Patriots have 3 reasons to trade for a RB