Report: Flacco has AC joint sprain, uncertain to face Bears

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco is nursing an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, leaving his availability uncertain for Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Flacco briefly exited last week's loss to the New York Jets due to the injury before returning to action. If he can't go versus Chicago, Jake Browning would be expected to start.

Head coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Flacco has a 50-50 chance to play, according to Pat Brennan of The Cincinnati Enquirer. He added that the veteran won't practice Wednesday.

Taylor also mentioned that although the injury is "painful," Flacco wants to suit up, Rapoport adds.

Flacco has filled in moderately well since Cincinnati acquired him in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. He's led the Bengals to one win in three starts, but they've scored 33 and 38 points, respectively, the last two weeks. The 40-year-old has thrown for seven touchdowns against zero interceptions with the team.

Browning has an 0-3 record as a starter this season with six touchdowns to eight interceptions.

The Bengals are 3-5 and trying to hang on in the AFC playoff race in hopes of a late-season return from Joe Burrow, who had toe surgery in September.