Joe Flacco Comeback Rumors Explode: Could the Super Bowl MVP Rescue an Injured Contender This Season?

Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is on track to start Sunday’s Week 9 clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Chicago Bears despite a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. Multiple reports indicate the 40-year-old took first-team reps in Friday’s walkthrough and told reporters he’s “feeling pretty good,” setting the stage for his sixth straight start since signing with Cincinnati in August. Flacco was officially listed as questionable after limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, but head coach Zac Taylor sounded optimistic, noting the medical staff cleared Flacco for all throwing drills. Backup Jake Browning will dress as insurance, yet the Bengals fully expect their veteran signal-caller to guide an offense that averages 24.1 points per game since he took over in Week 4. Injury timeline and current status • Monday: MRI confirms low-grade AC sprain, no structural damage. • Wednesday–Thursday: Limited participant; velocity reportedly unaffected. • Friday: Full walkthrough; designated “questionable.” • Saturday: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Flacco plans to start barring setbacks. What it means for Cincinnati The Bengals (3-5) sit two games back in the AFC North and cannot afford another slow start. Flacco’s experience reading complex coverages has helped wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins regain vertical rhythm; the duo has combined for 581 yards and five touchdowns over the past four weeks. Chicago’s defense blitzes on 31 percent of drop-backs, so Flacco’s quick decision-making remains critical to neutralizing pressure and sustaining drives. Fantasy football outlook Managers debating Flacco as a streaming option should monitor pre-game warm-ups, but his matchup is enticing. The Bears allow the league’s fourth-highest passer rating (100.7) and have surrendered multiple touchdown passes in five of eight games. If Flacco is active, consider him a high-end QB-2 with fringe QB-1 upside in superflex leagues, while Higgins and Chase remain locked-in starters. Conversely, if a late setback forces Browning under center, downgrade all Bengals pass-catchers accordingly. Betting and line movement Cincinnati opened as a 2.5-point home favorite; sportsbooks briefly pulled the game mid-week when Flacco missed practice but reposted at Bengals ‑3 after Friday’s positive news. Totals bettors should note the over is 4-1 in Flacco’s starts this season. Looking ahead After Chicago, Cincinnati enters a brutal three-game stretch (at Baltimore, vs. Buffalo, at Kansas City). Playing through pain now could keep playoff hopes alive, but the front office will weigh long-term health if any aggravation occurs. Expect the Bengals to limit hit exposure with heavier shotgun looks and quick-game concepts. Bottom line All signs point to Joe Flacco suiting up in Week 9, preserving Cincinnati’s offensive continuity and giving fantasy managers a viable streaming option. Monitor Sunday’s inactives, but barring an unexpected setback, the veteran’s shoulder should be good enough to test a vulnerable Bears secondary and keep the Bengals’ postseason aspirations intact.