The Cincinnati Bengals’ chances of mounting a comeback against the Chicago Bears have become complicated. Joe Flacco has been dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder that left his status for Sunday’s Week 9 matchup against the Bears in serious doubt.

But now a tweet on X has confirmed offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has already begun preparations for both scenarios, with reports indicating that both Flacco and Jake Browning are getting ready for Sunday in what amounts to a day-to-day situation with Flacco.

“They’re both getting ready. It’s a day-to-day deal with Joe. I’m optimistic, but we’ll see how it goes this week with both,” Dan Pitcher said.

Flacco suffered the injury during the Bengals’ devastating 39-38 loss to the New York Jets at Paycor Stadium in Week 8. The timing could hardly be worse for Cincinnati. The Bengals were up 31-16 heading into the fourth quarter before their defense completely fell apart, allowing the previously winless Jets to score 23 points in the final period.

That collapse marked a dramatic reversal of fortune for a team that had just begun turning things around after trading for Flacco on October 7. The 40-year-old quarterback had injected new energy into the Bengals’ offense, leading them to a thrilling 33-31 victory over Pittsburgh in his second start on October 16, week 7.

In his first three starts with the Bengals, Flacco accounted for eight total touchdowns (seven passing, one rushing) and throwing for 784 passing yards.

If Flacco cannot play, the Bengals would turn to Jake Browning, who started the season as Joe Burrow’s backup before the Burrow toe injury forced him into the starting role. Browning’s numbers tell a troubling story: across four starts this season, he has compiled a 1-3 record while throwing eight interceptions against just six touchdown passes, averaging 189.3 passing yards per start with a 70.5 passer rating

And it’s not just the QB status; Cincinnati’s defense remains a serious concern entering the week.

Bengals defense struggles ahead of week 9 clash

The Bengals rank dead last in yards allowed per game at 407.9 and in rushing yards allowed per game at 151.9, while sitting 30th in passing yards allowed at 256.0. That disastrous performance against the Jets prompted a players-only meeting, with defensive coordinator Al Golden acknowledging afterward that the team needed to show urgency.

“I don’t know what was talked about, nor should I, but it does feel like the fact that was called is a sense of urgency there, as there should be,” Golden said. “Because we cannot do that to the offense and special teams again.”

The Bears, meanwhile, have their own injury concerns heading into Cincinnati. Second-round receiver Luther Burden III is working through the concussion protocol after leaving Week 8’s loss to Baltimore in the third quarter. Veteran receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is day-to-day with a knee injury after also exiting Sunday’s game early. Chicago will have the week to evaluate both players before determining availability.​

Chicago comes in at 4-3 following their own loss to Baltimore in Week 8, while the Bengals currently sit at 3-5, making Sunday’s game absolutely crucial to their postseason hopes.