Bears' revenge game against Joe Flacco in jeopardy after injury update

The Chicago Bears thought they would face quarterback Joe Flacco later in the year, since he started the season with the Cleveland Browns, but he was moved up after his trade to the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, it may not even happen.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that Flacco has an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder and is considered day-to-day. Flacco left the Week 8 New York Jets game early, but came back to finish in the loss.

Flacco has been on a roll with the Bengals since being traded, completing over 64% of his passes for seven touchdowns to zero interceptions in three starts. If he can't go, Jake Browning would be starting in his place.

Bears might dodge a bullet potentially not facing Flacco

The last time the Bears faced off against Flacco was back in 2023 when Flacco was on the Browns. He led Cleveland on a comeback to take down the Justin Fields-led Bears 20-17.

Flacco has a record of 2-3 against the Bears in his career. He has thrown for 1,242 yards and eight touchdowns to eight interceptions in those matchups.

With a secondary that is currently out three starting cornerbacks, the Bears already have their hands full trying to deal with game planning against the Bengals' receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. This will put more pressure on the front seven to get to Flacco or Browning.

The Bears have anticipated the challenge that is ahead of them, so they signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to bring in reinforcements. Gardner-Johnson is familiar with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system from when they were with the New Orleans Saints together, and could play in the slot.

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Cincinnati's quarterback situation will be fascinating to monitor as it could be the difference between an easy win and a heavyweight fight.