The Bears head to Cincinnati this weekend looking to rebound from their tough loss in Baltimore. However, they’ll be doing so with one of the thinnest secondaries they’ve fielded all season. Chicago’s defensive backfield is in scramble mode after Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, and Kyler Gordon were all ruled out ahead of this crucial matchup.
The game could ultimately hinge on who lines up at quarterback for the Bengals—a storyline that remains very much alive in Cincinnati. Bengals coach Zac Taylor revealed on Wednesday that Joe 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 did not 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 Flacco is unable to play, the Bengals would turn back to Jake Browning, who started three games earlier this season while Joe Burrow was sidelined. Browning struggled during that stretch, which led Cincinnati (3-5) to trade for Flacco—a move that briefly steadied the offense.
Since joining the Bengals, the 40-year-old veteran has completed 64.3% of his passes for 784 yards, seven touchdowns, and no interceptions across three starts. Flacco’s deep-ball timing and veteran poise have given Cincinnati a new dimension offensively, especially with stars Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins back to full health.
However, if Flacco sits out, Browning’s return could play into the Bears’ hands—even with their secondary missing three starters. Chicago’s defense, which has thrived on creating takeaways all season, will need to generate consistent pressure up front to support a patchwork coverage unit.
In other injury news for the Bengals, defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) also missed practice on Wednesday and hopes to return later in the week after sustaining an injury in Sunday’s game against the Jets. Additionally, offensive lineman Dalton Risner (illness), linebacker Logan Wilson (calf), and defensive back Marco Wilson (hamstring) all sat out Wednesday’s session.
### Cincinnati Bengals Week 9 Injury Report
Here is the #Bengals injury report from Wednesday:
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) October 29, 2025
As the Bears prepare to face a potentially fluctuating Bengals offense, all eyes will be on the quarterback position and how Chicago’s defense adapts to its depleted secondary. This Sunday’s showdown promises to be a pivotal moment for both teams as the season progresses.
https://www.bleachernation.com/bears/2025/10/29/bengals-injury-report/