NFL news: Bengals’ Joe Flacco hopes for opportunity to start next season
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With Cincinnati Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow’s return from injury imminent, Joe Flacco knows his days as a starting quarterback in the NFL may be over.
Flacco, 40, was acquired by the Cleveland Browns from the Cleveland Browns after backup quarterback Jake Browning struggled in the first three games this season. Despite Flacco’s success, Burrow was a full participant in Wednesday and Thursday’s practices, signaling that this could be Flacco’s last start with Cincinnati.
“It’s in your head to some extent,” Flacco said of the possibility that Sunday could be his last scheduled start with the Bengals. to ESPN.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) warms up before his game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
“But I’m actually not that interested in it. I think as long as I just keep my head down and continue to prepare the way I am and then act oblivious to it, then it’ll be best for me.”
The Super Bowl champion quarterback said his solid run with the Bengals reinforces his belief that he can still play as a team starter.
“I hope it strengthens the idea in someone’s mind that I can do this,” Flacco said. “I still want to do it. I still feel like I can do it. It obviously helps with the confidence to be able to do it and other things.”
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Joe Flacco of the Cincinnati Bengals sits on the bench before the NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, October 12, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Matt Ludtke/AP Photo)
“I would like an opportunity, but you never know.”
Flacco started four games with the Browns before being benched for rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel. In those four games, he completed just 58.1% of his passes for 815 yards with two touchdowns and six interceptions.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass to the Chicago Bears in the second quarter at Paycor Stadium on November 2, 2025. (Katie Stratman/Imagn Images)
For the Bengals, the 40-year-old completed 63.4% of his passes for 1,453 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Bengals fell to 3-7 after losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers and have a very good chance of making the playoffs and need to get hot to give themselves a chance at the playoffs.
Their next game will be a marquee matchup against the New England Patriots (9-2) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
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