Joe Flacco Expected to Start for Bengals Against Bears Despite Shoulder Injury

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco is officially questionable for Sunday's game against the Bears but is planning to start, according to reports. The 40-year-old quarterback's shoulder felt good earlier in the week despite an AC joint sprain suffered last Sunday. Flacco did not practice on Wednesday, was limited on Thursday, and did not participate on Friday, though optimism grew after Thursday's session. It remains uncertain how his shoulder will react during the game. Since being traded to Cincinnati from Cleveland, Flacco has made three starts, completing 64.3 percent of his passes for 764 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions. Previously, he completed 58.1 percent for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six picks. If Flacco is unavailable, Jake Browning would take over, and the Bengals signed Sean Clifford to the 53-man roster as an emergency third quarterback.