The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing for a crucial Week 9 matchup as they look to keep their season alive. Joe Flacco suffered a shoulder injury during last week’s loss to the New York Jets that has raised concerns about his availability. Will fantasy football managers have their veteran quarterback available for this week’s game against the Chicago Bears?
Joe Flacco Injury Update
Flacco sustained the shoulder injury during the fourth quarter of the Cincinnati Bengals’ 39-38 loss to the Jets when he was sacked by edge rusher Will McDonald IV. He briefly went to the locker room for evaluation while backup Jake Browning began warming up on the sidelines.
However, Flacco returned to finish the game and complete the team’s final drive. Head coach Zac Taylor initially described the injury as day-to-day following Monday’s press conference, indicating the team would evaluate it throughout the week.
Wednesday brought more concerning news when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport revealed the full extent of the injury. According to Rapoport, “Bengals QB Joe Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder & his status is up in the air for Sunday vs the Bears, sources say. Flacco left the loss to the Jets, then came back late. Coach Zac Taylor called him day-to-day. Jake Browning is the backup.”
The problem is the injury affects Flacco’s right shoulder, which is his throwing shoulder. AC joint sprains typically require a couple of weeks to heal properly, making this a significant concern for his Week 9 availability.
Even if Flacco is able to practice this week, the injury remains problematic and could limit his effectiveness. He is definitely at risk of missing this week’s game against the Chicago Bears, which would force the Bengals to turn back to Browning as their starter.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Cincinnati, as they desperately need consistency at the quarterback position with Joe Burrow still recovering from his lengthy turf toe injury.
Flacco Fantasy Outlook
Flacco’s potential absence would be devastating for fantasy managers who have relied on Cincinnati’s offensive weapons since his arrival. The veteran quarterback has revitalized the Bengals’ passing attack since being acquired in a trade three weeks ago.
Most notably, Ja’Marr Chase has thrived with Flacco under center. The star receiver struggled mightily with Browning earlier in the season but has returned to elite fantasy production since Flacco took over as the starter.
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If Flacco can’t go, the Bengals will be forced to turn back to Browning, who was such a disaster that it prompted the team to trade for the 40-year-old in the first place. Browning’s previous struggles highlighted just how dependent this offense is on competent quarterback play.
The entire Cincinnati offense would need to be downgraded if they have to go back to Browning. Chase would lose significant fantasy value, as would running back Chase Brown and WR Tee Higgins, who have all benefited from Flacco’s veteran presence.
Fantasy managers should closely monitor Flacco’s practice participation throughout the week. His ability to throw effectively with the AC joint sprain will ultimately determine his availability for Sunday’s crucial divisional matchup.
The Bengals simply cannot afford another setback at the quarterback position as they fight to salvage their season. Flacco’s health will be critical to their offensive success moving forward.