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Bengals’ Ja'Marr Chase Shares Joe Flacco Development on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hunter Hodies | Last updated Oct 30, 2025 5:30 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco is battling an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder this week.

Flacco briefly left last Sunday's game against the New York Jets but returned before the Bengals lost, 39-38. He is still day-to-day, but returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's practice. He was listed as a limited participant.

Bengals star wideout Ja'Marr Chase spoke about Flacco returning to practice on Thursday and gave a good update for Bengals fans who hope to see him play on Sunday against the Chicago Bears. He said that Flacco "looked the same" during practice.

"I didn't know he was injured, for real," Chase said, via The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase during a game.Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Bengals acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 7 since Jake Browning was struggling to replace Joe Burrow. Flacco was an immediate upgrade over Browning and has already thrown for 784 yards through the air, seven touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He helped the Bengals beat the Steelers on "Thursday Night Football" on Oct. 16.

The Bengals come into Sunday's game against the Bears with a 3-5 record. A win would go a long way toward keeping them in the race for a playoff spot, especially since Burrow is expected to return later in the season. Burrow has been out since he got hurt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 14.

If Flacco can't go on Sunday, Browning would start in his place. He has played in four games, compiling 757 passing yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Kickoff for Sunday's Bears-Bengals game is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta will have the call.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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