After multiple days of speculation, the Cincinnati Bengals have decided who they will start at quarterback against the New England Patriots on Sunday. According to various reports, Joe Flacco will draw
the start while franchise QB Joe Burrow will not be activated off injured reserve.
Flacco, 40, has served as the Bengals’ starting QB for the last five weeks. Originally acquired via trade from the Cleveland Browns in October, he has since completed 135 of 213 pass attempts (63.4%) for 1,453 yards with 12 touchdowns and three interceptions. Despite posting some solid numbers, Cincinnati won just one of his starts so far.
On Sunday, Flacco will get another opportunity to add to his win total as a Bengal. This chance comes at the expense of the aforementioned Joe Burrow.
Burrow started the team’s first two games of the season, but sustained a turf toe injury in Week 2 versus Jacksonville. The injury forced him to undergo surgery and be placed on injured reserve. Even though he recently returned to practice and earlier this week upgraded to full participation and 11-on-11 work, the team has not deemed the 28-year-old ready for game action just yet.
As a consequence, the 3-7 Bengals will take on the 9-2 Patriots without their Pro Bowl quarterback and No. 1 wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (suspension). They also ruled out a pair of defensive linemen, Trey Hendrickson (hip, pelvis) and Cam Sample (oblique).
The Patriots, on the other hand, will be without linebacker Jahlani Tavai (personal). Running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) and outside linebacker Harold Landry (knee) are questionable.
Kickoff between the Patriots and Bengals at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium has been set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
