Something Big Happened in Cincinnati: Joe Burrow Out, Jake Browning Benched as Bengals Trade for Joe Flacco

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a dramatic midseason move by acquiring veteran quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns. The trade comes just weeks after star quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a Grade-3 turf toe injury and backup Jake Browning struggled to keep the team afloat during a three-game losing streak. With their playoff hopes slipping, Cincinnati is betting that the 39-year-old Super Bowl MVP can stabilize the offense and keep their season alive.

This trade is historic for multiple reasons. It marks the first transaction between the Bengals and Browns since Cleveland’s return to the NFL in 1999 and the first in-season quarterback trade between AFC North rivals since 1990. For Cincinnati, it’s a bold statement of intent: they’re not giving up on the season despite Burrow’s long-term absence.

Joe Burrow’s Injury and Its Fallout

Burrow’s injury changed everything for Cincinnati. He went down in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, grabbing his left foot and ankle. The diagnosis was a severe Grade-3 turf toe injury that required immediate surgery. He was placed on injured reserve on September 16, with medical experts projecting a minimum three-month recovery period. That timeline sets his earliest possible return for mid-December — though many caution even that may be optimistic given the demands of the position.

With Burrow sidelined, the Bengals turned to Jake Browning. But the backup quickly proved ineffective. He threw eight interceptions across just three and a half games and ranked dead last in PFSN’s QB Impact metric. Cincinnati’s offense, once one of the most explosive units in the NFL, stalled completely. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase expressed visible frustration, and team morale plummeted as the Bengals fell to 0-3 from Weeks 3 to 5.

That left the Bengals with a stark choice: accept a lost season or make a move to salvage it. They chose the latter by trading for Flacco — a signal that they still believe a playoff push is possible.

Joe Flacco’s Arrival and What It Means

Flacco brings nearly two decades of NFL experience to Cincinnati. He started four games for the Browns earlier this season, posting a 1-3 record. His performances were uneven — including a two-interception outing in a narrow loss to the Bengals on September 7 — but his veteran presence and ability to manage an offense make him an attractive stopgap option.

While Flacco’s Total QBR remains low, he offers more predictability and poise than Browning. His presence could also boost the production of top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, whose numbers dipped significantly with Browning under center. With Flacco running the offense, Cincinnati hopes to revive its passing attack and regain some of the rhythm that defined its early-season success.

The Bengals will face their first major test of this new era in Week 6 against the Green Bay Packers, where Flacco is expected to start immediately as QB1.

Ripple Effects in Cleveland: Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders Step In

Flacco’s departure also reshapes the Browns’ quarterback situation. Rookie Dillon Gabriel, who recently took over the starting job, now has the chance to prove himself as Cleveland’s long-term solution. Gabriel impressed in his debut, scoring 16.1 fantasy points, and will have several weeks to show he can lead the offense effectively.

Behind him, Shedeur Sanders moves up to the backup role. While Sanders has yet to see significant action, this opportunity is crucial for Cleveland’s future. With two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Browns must evaluate their current talent to decide whether drafting another quarterback is necessary.

Playoff Race and Fantasy Implications

The AFC North remains tightly contested, with the Steelers showing flashes of potential and the Ravens struggling at 1-4. Despite their recent skid, the Bengals believe they are still in the divisional race — and Flacco could be the key to staying competitive until Burrow returns.

From a fantasy football perspective, the trade carries ripple effects. Flacco has surpassed 10 fantasy points in only one of his four starts this season, but his stability could increase the value of Cincinnati’s star receivers. Meanwhile, Dillon Gabriel’s ascent boosts his fantasy relevance, especially in deeper leagues, as he develops chemistry with Cleveland’s offensive weapons.

This trade is more than just a midseason roster move — it’s a turning point. With Burrow sidelined and Browning benched, the Bengals are betting their season on Joe Flacco. Whether that gamble pays off could define the rest of Cincinnati’s 2025 campaign and reshape the AFC North playoff picture.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When will Joe Burrow return from injury?

Doctors expect Burrow to miss at least three months after his September 19 surgery. The earliest possible return would be mid-December, though even that may be optimistic.

Q2: Why was Jake Browning benched?

Browning struggled as the starter, throwing eight interceptions in just over three games and ranking last in QB Impact metrics. His poor performance forced the Bengals to look for alternatives.

Q3: Will Joe Flacco start in Week 6?

Yes. The Bengals have confirmed that Flacco will take over as the starting quarterback, with his debut expected against the Green Bay Packers.

Q4: What does this trade mean for Dillon Gabriel?

Gabriel now becomes Cleveland’s full-time starter, giving the Browns a chance to evaluate him ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. He impressed with 16.1 fantasy points in his first start.

Q5: Can the Bengals still make the playoffs?

It’s possible. Despite their losing streak, the AFC North is wide open. If Flacco can steady the offense until Burrow returns, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes remain alive.