### Bengals' Quarterback Joe Flacco's Status Uncertain Ahead of Week 9 Matchup Against Bears - The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a critical decision regarding their starting quarterback, Joe Flacco, as they prepare for their Week 9 game against the Chicago Bears. Flacco has been dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder, which has raised questions about his availability for the game. Despite not practicing all week, he was listed as active and is expected to start, although his warmup was limited, indicating a cautious approach by the team to manage his injury [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/joe-flacco-playing-today-status-question-bengals-week-9-vs-bears/73110072326754a66638dc3e, https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_vs_bears_inactives_joe_flaccos_nonexistent_warmup_receives_clarity_trey_hendricksons_status_revealed/s1_17313_43003552]. ### Breakdown of Joe Flacco's Injury Situation and Game Status 1. **Injury Details**: - Flacco is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder, which has limited his practice time throughout the week [https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears/2025/11/01/bengals-qb-joe-flacco-planning-to-play-vs-bears-despite-shoulder-injury-report]. 2. **Practice Participation**: - He missed practice on Wednesday but returned in a limited capacity on Thursday, indicating some progress [https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/joe-flacco-returned-to-practice-on-thursday]. - His lack of participation in warmups before the game raised further concerns about his readiness [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_vs_bears_inactives_joe_flaccos_nonexistent_warmup_receives_clarity_trey_hendricksons_status_revealed/s1_17313_43003552]. 3. **Team Strategy**: - The Bengals are likely taking a cautious approach with Flacco, allowing him to rest his shoulder as much as possible before the game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_vs_bears_inactives_joe_flaccos_nonexistent_warmup_receives_clarity_trey_hendricksons_status_revealed/s1_17313_43003552]. ### Supporting Evidence of Flacco's Condition and Team Decisions - **Injury Reports**: Flacco's injury has been a focal point in the lead-up to the game, with multiple reports confirming his questionable status due to the shoulder issue [https://www.thestar.com/sports/football/bengals-quarterback-joe-flaccos-status-is-up-in-the-air-for-sundays-game/article_4232db89-9fc4-5c3b-b780-8902840efacc.html, https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/national-news/illinois/bengals-qb-joe-flaccos-status-up-in-the-air-for-bears-game]. - **Game Day Decisions**: The Bengals have released their inactive players list, confirming Flacco's active status despite the concerns surrounding his shoulder [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/bengals_vs_bears_inactives_joe_flaccos_nonexistent_warmup_receives_clarity_trey_hendricksons_status_revealed/s1_17313_43003552]. ### Conclusion: Flacco's Status Remains a Key Factor for Bengals - **Key Findings**: 1. Joe Flacco is expected to start against the Bears despite a sprained shoulder, but his warmup was limited, indicating ongoing concerns about his health. 2. The Bengals are managing his injury carefully, balancing the need for a starting quarterback with the risk of aggravating his condition. 3. The team's decision to keep Flacco active suggests confidence in his ability to perform, but the situation remains fluid as game time approaches. - **Overall Implication**: The Bengals' performance against the Bears could hinge significantly on Flacco's ability to play effectively, making his health a critical storyline as the game unfolds [https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nfl/cincinnati-bengals/news/joe-flacco-playing-today-status-question-bengals-week-9-vs-bears/73110072326754a66638dc3e].