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Flacco's Shoulder Sprain Clouds Bengals' Week 9 Quarterback Plans

Zac Taylor labels Joe Flacco a 50-50 call after the quarterback missed Wednesday practice.

Overview

  • Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder, leaving his availability for Sunday against the Bears uncertain, per NFL Network and team updates.
  • Taylor said Flacco is day-to-day and did not practice Wednesday, noting the decision could hinge on late-week evaluations or a pregame workout.
  • If Flacco cannot play, Jake Browning is in line to start with practice-squad quarterback Sean Clifford as the next option, while Joe Burrow remains on injured reserve.
  • Since arriving via trade in early October, Flacco has boosted the offense with 7–8 touchdown passes and no interceptions, including a surge in targets that helped Ja'Marr Chase tie an NFL record with 38 catches over three games.
  • The injury occurred late in the Week 8 loss to the Jets on a sack by Will McDonald IV; Flacco briefly went to the locker room, then returned to finish the game, and staff expressed cautious optimism he could still be ready with minimal practice reps.