Joe Flacco News Emerges on Saturday

However, on Saturday, just a day before playing the Bears, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that unless there is a major setback, Flacco is planning to start.

"#Bengals QB Joe Flacco is planning to start on Sunday, sources say, barring something unforeseen with his AC joint sprain in his right shoulder," Rapoport wrote. "There was optimism after Thursday’s practice and that continued this weekend. No one knows how it’ll react. But he’s giving it a shot."

Since being traded to the Bengals, the 40-year-old quarterback has made three starts. Flacco has completed 81-of-126 passes for 784 yards, seven touchdowns and zero interceptions with a 100.1 passer rating.

He came in and replaced Jake Browning, who'd assumed the starting spot after Joe Burrow suffered a turf toe injury in Week 2, which required surgery.

Despite not having much practice time during the week, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is still confident in Flacco.

"If anyone in this league can get by with minimal reps, it's him," Taylor said while talking to reporters earlier in the week.

The Bengals have until 90 minutes before kickoff to officially decide whether Flacco will be active against the Bears.

The game is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium, airing on CBS.