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Massive Ja'Marr Chase Update Emerges Less Than 24 Hours Before Bengals-Packers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 11:46 PM ET

Key Points

The Bengals are set to debut veteran quarterback Joe Flacco on Sunday against the Packers.
Ja’Marr Chase enters the matchup listed as questionable after dealing with an illness, according to head coach Zac Taylor.
Cincinnati currently sits at 2-3 overall and second in the AFC North.

The Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) are set to take the field at Lambeau on Sunday afternoon for a matchup against the Green Bay Packers (2-1-1), debuting recently acquired veteran quarterback Joe Flacco.

Cincinnati began the season 2-0 with star quarterback Joe Burrow, but since his injury in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals have dropped three straight games with Jake Browning under center.

Now, with Browning returning to the bench, Flacco steps in — and many are hoping he’ll have both of his top weapons, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, available at wide receiver.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase.© Cara Owsley / USA TODAY NETWORK© Cara Owsley / USA TODAY NETWORK

However, late in the week, head coach Zac Taylor announced that Chase was moved to questionable with an illness after leaving practice early to rest.

Now, on Saturday night, less than 24 hours before the 4:25 p.m. EST kickoff, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Chase — despite the illness — is on track to play Sunday. It’s a massive boost for the Bengals’ offense as a whole, and for Flacco, who’s making his first start on short notice.

#Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase, who missed practice time this week with an illness and is listed as questionable, is slated to play on Sunday with new QB Joe Flacco, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 12, 2025

In Week 5, Ja’Marr Chase hauled in six receptions for 110 yards and two touchdowns, both coming in the second half. He currently has 32 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns on the season.

Chase remains the most important piece of the Bengals’ offense. While it may seem like a long shot, Cincinnati’s move to bring in Joe Flacco was a clear signal that they are going all in to stay competitive for a playoff spot until Joe Burrow can potentially return. Having Chase healthy and on the field is nearly essential for that plan to succeed.

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

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