The Bears head to Cincinnati this weekend trying to rebound from their loss in Baltimore — and they’ll do it with one of the thinnest secondaries they’ve fielded all season. Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon have all been ruled out, leaving Chicago’s defensive backfield in scramble mode heading into a matchup that could hinge on who lines up at quarterback for the Bengals. That remains the story in Cincinnati, where Joe Flacco’s status is very much in doubt. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Flacco is “50-50” to play after spraining the AC joint in his throwing shoulder during Sunday’s 39-38 loss to the Jets. Flacco didn’t practice on Wednesday and will be re-evaluated later in the week. Oct 12, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images If he can’t go, the Bengals would turn back to Jake Browning, who started three games earlier this season while Joe Burrow was sidelined. Browning struggled in that stretch, prompting Cincinnati (3-5) to trade for Flacco — a move that briefly steadied the offense. In three starts since joining the Bengals, the 40-year-old veteran has completed 64.3% of his passes for 784 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions. Flacco’s deep-ball timing and veteran poise have given the Bengals a different dimension offensively, especially with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins back healthy. But if he sits, Browning’s return could play into the Bears’ hands — even with a secondary missing three starters. Chicago’s defense, which has thrived on takeaways all season, will need to find pressure up front to help out a patchwork group in coverage. Joe Flacco (shoulder) and Trey Hendrickson (hip) were among five players who did not practice on Wednesday. Head coach Zac Taylor said Flacco’s status remains “50-50” for Sunday as he recovers from a sprained AC joint, while Hendrickson is hoping to return to practice later in the week after getting banged up in Sunday’s loss to the Jets. Dalton Risner (illness), Logan Wilson (calf), and Marco Wilson (hamstring) also sat out. Cincinnati Bengals Week 9 Injury Report Here is the #Bengals injury report from Wednesday pic.twitter.com/KPOGgO9RJU— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) October 29, 2025