Overview

• The Bengals officially confirmed the trade after reports from NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
• Cincinnati sent a fifth-round pick to the Browns and received a sixth-rounder, then released Brett Rypien to open a roster spot.
• Joe Flacco, 40, is expected to step in as the starter, with coach Zac Taylor praising his leadership and arm strength.
• Across four appearances for Cleveland this season, Flacco threw for 815 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions before being replaced by rookie Dillon Gabriel.
• Joe Burrow is out with a toe injury, with reports indicating roughly a three-month timeline, and the 2–3 Bengals are trying to keep their playoff chances viable.