CINCINNATI — Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said it's a 50/50 chance if quarterback Joe Flacco plays against the Bears Sunday.
Taylor on Wednesday confirmed the report from NFL insider Ian Rapoport that Flacco is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, saying that while the veteran quarterback wants to play, his status is currently undecided.
Flacco hurt his right shoulder in the fourth quarter Sunday when he was sacked by Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV. The 40-year-old went to the locker room to get checked out before returning to the field for the last drive.
After the game, Flacco said that he "landed a little awkward," but felt OK. However, Taylor said the Bengals have a plan in place to see where things go for Flacco as the week progresses.
RELATED | Bengals collapse, allow Jets to get 1st win of season with 39-38 victory
His absence on Sunday would be a big blow for the Bengals' offense, which has returned to form since his arrival. Even in Sunday's loss, the veteran quarterback was 21 for 34 with 223 yards and two touchdowns.
If he were deemed unable to play, backup Jake Browning would once again take over. While Browning helped Cincinnati win over the Jacksonville Jaguars when Joe Burrow left the game in Week 2, he struggled in his three starts with the team, all of which resulted in losses.
Burrow, still recovering from his turf toe injury, has progressed to walking without a boot. However, his return won't be possible until mid-December at the earliest.
