Flacco in command: Bengals announce starting QB against Packers in the NFL

The Bengals’ new quarterback, Joe Flacco, received a warm welcome from coach Zac Taylor, who told him to prepare to start on Sunday. This change was finalized after a strategic move by the franchise. The Bengals closed a deal with the Browns on Tuesday, acquiring Flacco in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft and a sixth-round pick in the same draft. In Wednesday’s training, Flacco was already wearing his new number 16 and beginning to adapt for the next game against the Green Bay Packers.

He is going to take all the reps and get ready to play.

Zac Taylor

Ben Baby’s post: The arrival of Joe Flacco to the Bengals This will be the second time in a month that Flacco plays against the Packers, as he started against them in Week 3 with the Browns, in a game that Cleveland won 13-10. Flacco also faced his current team this season, completing 31 of 45 passes for 290 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in the 17-16 loss against the Bengals in Week 1. Cincinnati, with a 2-3 record, made the decision to change quarterbacks after Jake Browning struggled in the absence of Joe Burrow. Burrow is on the injured list recovering from surgery on his left foot, and the Bengals have lost three consecutive games with Browning as the starter. Taylor confirmed that Browning will be the backup again, with Sean Clifford as the reserve quarterback on the practice squad. The Bengals’ general manager, Duke Tobin, informed Taylor on Tuesday about the possibility of acquiring Flacco. Taylor gave his approval to Tobin, who then finalized the trade. Following the agreement, the Bengals sent a car to Cleveland to bring Flacco to Cincinnati. In addition, they provided him with documents to study, while Taylor explained the fundamentals of Cincinnati’s offense to him by phone. Flacco’s recent experience playing against the Packers could be an advantage for the Bengals this weekend at Lambeau Field.

At least the advantage we have with Joe Flacco’s arrival is that he’s watched videos for a week. He’s played this game. He’ll still have to do the same, because they’ve played two games since then, but at the same time, at least he has it in mind.

Zac Taylor

Flacco is scheduled to speak with reporters on Friday, as he prepares for his debut with the Bengals. Taylor did not provide a timeline for Burrow’s return, who continues his recovery. Meanwhile, Cincinnati hopes that Flacco can be the necessary boost to end the three-game losing streak and keep the Bengals in the playoff race.

Our main focus is to win as many games as possible and go to the playoffs and go far in the playoffs. That is our 100 percent focus, no matter who our quarterback is. That’s what we’re trying to do.

Zac Taylor