Bengals' Joe Flacco opens up about harsh reality regarding return of Joe Burrow

Eyebrows were raised when Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was listed as a full participant for Wednesday's practice for the first time since he had surgery to repair the toe injury he suffered in Week 2 of the season. 

As of Thursday morning, veteran Joe Flacco was still on track to start for the 3-7 Bengals when they host the New England Patriots (9-2) this coming Sunday. On Wednesday, Flacco spoke with ESPN's Ben Baby about possibly losing the QB1 gig to Burrow sooner than some expected. 

How Joe Burrow is in Joe Flacco's head

"It's in your head a little bit to a certain extent," Flacco said about Burrow's inevitable return. "But I really am not that concerned with it. I think as long as I just keep my head down and keep preparing the way I am and then kind of act oblivious to it, then that'll be the best for me."

The Bengals acquired Flacco via a trade with the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 7, and he guided Cincinnati to a big win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers in his second start with the Bengals. Since then, however, the Bengals have suffered three straight defeats. Flacco has gone 1-4 as Cincinnati's temporary starter. 

Earlier on Wednesday, a report indicated that Burrow wouldn't return to in-game action before the Bengals' Thanksgiving night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens at the earliest. It now appears Flacco could be Burrow's primary backup as soon as this Sunday. 

Does Joe Flacco want to keep playing in 2026?

Flacco turns 41 years old in January but isn't yet ready to ride off into the sunset of retirement. ESPN stats show that he began Thursday ranked 22nd in the NFL among qualified players with a 46.6 adjusted QBR for the season. Over Flacco's first five games with the Bengals, he tossed 12 touchdown passes and three interceptions.

"Hopefully it reinforces it in somebody's mind that I can do it," Flacco said about his stint with the Bengals. "I do still want to do it. I still feel like I can do it. This obviously does help with the confidence of being able to do it and all that stuff. I would like an opportunity, but you just never know."

As of Thursday morning, ESPN BET had the Bengals as seven-point home underdogs versus the red-hot Patriots.