The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will start for the team in their upcoming Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers. This decision comes shortly after the Bengals acquired Flacco in a trade with the Cleveland Browns, marking a significant move aimed at bolstering the team’s offense.
Flacco, who was recently benched by the Browns, comes to Cincinnati with a reputation as a seasoned NFL veteran known for steady play and leadership. Head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence in Flacco, emphasizing that his arrival offers stability and veteran presence to the Bengals roster. Taylor noted that the offense won’t require a substantial overhaul to accommodate Flacco’s style, stating, “You don’t have to change much.” This approach aims to maintain continuity while leveraging Flacco’s experience to help lead the Bengals in what is seen as a crucial phase of their 2025 campaign.
The trade included the Bengals sending a 2026 fifth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for Flacco and a 2026 sixth-round pick, highlighting Cincinnati’s intent to adjust their quarterback depth chart strategically. Flacco is expected to bring leadership and support for the team’s talented receiving corps, including key players like Jamar Chase and Tee Higgins, who have struggled at times to find consistency in the passing game this season.
Flacco’s familiarity with the Packers adds a layer of intrigue to the upcoming matchup. Just over two weeks ago, while playing for Cleveland, he led the Browns to a narrow 13-10 victory over the Packers. In that game, Flacco completed 21 of 36 passes for 142 yards with no interceptions, demonstrating his capability to manage a close contest effectively. Bengals fans and analysts alike hope Flacco can replicate or even improve upon that performance to help the team secure a victory on the road.
Despite some skepticism about his ability to dramatically transform the Bengals’ offense, Flacco’s veteran poise and experience in high-pressure situations are expected to provide the team with much-needed leadership. His arrival represents Cincinnati’s effort to remain competitive in the AFC North and keep playoff aspirations alive.
As the Bengals prepare for their Week 6 clash in Green Bay on Sunday, all eyes will be on Flacco to see if his combination of experience and composure can spark a turnaround and ignite a more stable offensive rhythm for Cincinnati.
Fans are also interested in how Flacco’s presence might influence the team’s locker room dynamics and on-field communication, as narratives from the media highlight moments like a “humming huddle” and smooth gameplay as key aspects to watch in the coming weeks.