Joe Flacco Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Packers vs Browns game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Sep 14, 2025
Replaced by Gabriel late in loss
Flacco completed 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards with a touchdown and an interception while one rush for eight yards in the Browns' 41-17 loss to the Ravens on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Flacco's underwhelming line tells the tale of a sluggish afternoon for the Browns' offense, one during which he took two sacks in addition to his two turnovers. Flacco spread the ball around well but was outmanned by an aggressive Ravens defense and an efficient, mistake-free performance by Lamar Jackson. Flacco was replaced by rookie Dillon Gabriel for the final drive -- which did result in a touchdown -- but Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Flacco would remain the starter for a Week 3 home matchup against the Packers.
Sep 7, 2025
Attempts 45 passes in loss
Flacco completed 31 of 45 passes for 290 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Bengals. He added two rushes for six yards.
ANALYSIS
The Browns played at a methodical pace and prioritized passes to the short areas of the field early in the game, with Flacco attempting 15 passes for 87 yards at halftime. He opened things up a bit in the second half, when he accounted for his longest completions of the game (25, 25 and 22 yards). Flacco's lone touchdown of the game came on the opening drive of the third quarter, when he connected with Cedric Tillman from five yards away. Things turned quickly, however, as he threw an interception that setup the game-winning field goal for Cincinnati on the following drive. Flacco is likely to remain inconsistent so long as he's the starter for the Browns.
Aug 23, 2025
Sharp in Saturday's start
Flacco completed nine of 10 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 19-17 preseason win over the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was nearly flawless while working the Browns' first three drives, capping the second with a 15-yard TD strike to rookie tight end Harold Fannin. The 41-year-old is set as the Week 1 starter for Cleveland, and while the team may choose to take a look at one of the quarterbacks it selected in the 2025 Draft, Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders, if the season goes off the rails, Flacco offers a much more stable floor for the passing game, and targets such as Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku.
Aug 21, 2025
In line for 25-30 snaps Saturday
Flacco is slated to start Saturday's preseason finale against the Rams, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
Coach Kevin Stefanski indicated Thursday that Flacco and the Browns' healthy starters should see about 25-30 plays Saturday. Once Flacco departs the contest, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, in that order, are in line to see action, while Kenny Pickett won't play due to his hamstring issue, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
Aug 18, 2025
Named starter by Browns
Flacco has been named the Browns' starting QB ahead of Week 1.
ANALYSIS
Flacco, who has been taking the overwhelming majority of first-team reps in training camp, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com, had been trending toward the assignment, but the Browns confirmed the veteran QB's status as the team's starter Monday. In the meantime, Kenny Pickett (hamstring), Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders (oblique) are slated to compete for backup slotting in advance of Cleveland's Sept. 7 regular-season opener against the Bengals.
Aug 17, 2025
QB1 decision coming this week
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Sunday that he plans to name a starting quarterback this week, Albert Breer of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco has been on track to start Week 1 given his playing time and the distribution of starting snaps during training camp. The 40-year-old quarterback didn't suit up for Saturday's preseason game versus Philadelphia, but that appeared to be for rest reasons rather than any injury concerns. Meanwhile, fellow quarterbacks Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and fourth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders (oblique) were both sidelined, leaving third-round rookie Dillon Gabriel to start. Assuming Flacco is named the starter, then Pickett will probably be the No. 2 quarterback when healthy, while Sanders and Gabriel compete for the third-string role. Tyler Huntley is also on board in Cleveland, but it's unlikely he'll still be there if the team keeps Flacco, Pickett, Sanders and Gabriel all on the roster. Flacco appeared in eight games with six starts for the Colts last season, completing 162 of 248 passes (65 percent) for 1,761 yards and 12 touchdowns to seven interceptions.
Aug 15, 2025
Will rest Saturday
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said Friday that Flacco will not suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles, Noah Monroe of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is fully healthy and remains, by all indications, on track to start Week 1 for the Browns, so the team simply has little incentive to risk exposing the 40-year-old veteran to exhibition reps. Rookie third-rounder Dillon Gabriel (hamstring), who returned to team drills this week, could get a chance to start Saturday if the team feels his recovery is in a good spot, while Kenny Pickett (hamstring) and Shedeur Sanders (oblique) seem less likely to be available. The plethora of injuries present in Cleveland's quarterback room will likely result on Tyler Huntley playing a substantial amount Saturday, and potentially even starting versus Philadelphia.
Aug 13, 2025
Unlikely to play Saturday
Flacco, who will take the majority of first-team reps at practice Wednesday, is not expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the Eagles, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski hasn't yet officially named a starting quarterback for Week 1, but all indications remain that it will be Flacco who lines up under center against the Bengals in Week 1, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Ashley Bastock of cleveland.com reports that 40-year-old veteran is expected to continue handling first-team reps throughout Cleveland's two joint practices with Philadelphia, while rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel figure to split game reps Saturday. Kenny Pickett (hamstring), meanwhile, remains limited to 7-on-7 drills.
Aug 5, 2025
Won't play in preseason opener
Flacco isn't scheduled to play in Friday's preseason opener against the Panthers, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
The Browns are holding him out even though Shedeur Sanders was their only other healthy quarterback prior to signing Tyler Huntley on Monday. Huntley spent time with the team last year and thus has experience operating coach Kevin Stefanski's playbook, but it'll be Sanders getting the start Friday night. Stefanski said he plans to play some starters, with Flacco's absence thus being the latest sign that the 40-year-old is on track for the Week 1 start. Making it through the season without getting benched or injured will be the more challenging part.
Aug 3, 2025
Strengthening hold on QB1 role
Flacco is the "strong favorite" to begin the regular season as Cleveland's starting quarterback, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco has been the "presumed favorite" since the beginning of training camp, and multiple factors have helped him tighten his grip on the role. First, Jackson reports that the veteran QB had his best two days of throwing Friday and Saturday. Second, Kenny Pickett strained a hamstring July 27 and is still working his way back to full speed, though he's returned to practice in a limited capacity. Finally, rookie Shedeur Sanders hasn't been able to do much as he deals with arm soreness, though Jackson suggests that neither Sanders nor fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel ever had a "realistic chance" of winning the starting job out of the gate. It all adds up to Flacco looking like the Browns' starter Week 1 against Cincinnati, though Pickett could still make a case for the role if he outshines Flacco upon returning to full health.
Aug 1, 2025
Handles bulk of team drills Friday
Though Kenny Pickett (hamstring) was back on the practice field Friday, Flacco continued to handle the bulk of the Browns' QB reps during team drills, Dan Labbe of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
In his first practice back from a hamstring injury that he suffered last Saturday, Pickett went through individual drills Friday. Once he's ready to work fully, however, we'd expected Pickett to resume splitting most of the first-team reps with Flacco, with Dillon Gabriel mixing in with the first unit to a lesser degree, while Shedeur Sanders gets reps with the second or third team offense. With that in mind, Cleveland's QB competition is far from settled, with coach Kevin Stefanski declining to reveal his signal-caller plan for the team's Aug. 8 preseason opener against the Panthers, per Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com.
Jul 28, 2025
Added first-team reps on tap
Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday that most of the Browns' first-team QB reps would go to Flacco while Kenny Pickett (hamstring) is sidelined, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Prior to his injury, Pickett had split most of the first-team reps with Flacco, with 2025 third-rounder Dillon Gabriel sprinkling in and 2025 fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders not getting any work with the first unit. For any length of time that Pickett misses, Flacco will have added opportunities to make his case for the Week 1 starting assignment, but assuming Pickett's injury doesn't linger, look for their snap-sharing arrangement to resume once he's back on the practice field.
Jul 25, 2025
Splitting first-team snaps
Flacco was the first QB up for 11-on-11 work Thursday, after Kenny Pickett did the honors Wednesday, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jackson notes that Flacco sometimes takes fewer reps than the other quarterbacks because he's so much older and more experienced. It otherwise sounds like Flacco and Pickett are on equal footing in a competition for the Week 1 starting job. Dillon Gabriel has been the third QB through drills, ahead of fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders, but there's still plenty of time this summer for the latter to make a push up the depth chart.
Jul 23, 2025
Sits out 11-on-11
Flacco did not participate in the Browns' 11-on-11 session at practice Wednesday, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was the first quarterback up in the team's first modified 7-on-7 series against the team's No. 1 defensive back seven. He then shifted into being greatly a spectator for the remainder of the day, handing the reins off to Kenny Pickett to begin the team's 11-on-11 session to end practice. Not much can be taken about the quarterback pecking order in Cleveland after the team's first full-squad workout Wednesday, but it's worth monitoring as the days pass. Flacco and Pickett appear to be the frontrunners of the Browns' four-man quarterback competition, with rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel fighting an uphill battle.
Jun 12, 2025
Mentor during offseason work
Flacco took limited reps during mandatory minicamp, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is entering his 18th NFL season, so extra reps during the offseason aren't necessarily all that valuable. He participated enough to help install the offense, but otherwise served as a mentor to Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, helping them develop a cadence and study film. Flacco is expected to compete for the starting job during training camp and could realistically be under center for Cleveland's Week 1 matchup against the Bengals.
Apr 28, 2025
Team adds two QBs in draft
Flacco will face additional competition from rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, whom the Browns drafted in the third and fifth rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, respectively.
ANALYSIS
Deshaun Watson isn't expected to be available for the beginning of the season as he recovers from an Achilles tear, but Cleveland now has four potential Week 1 starting options in Flacco (signed April 11), Kenny Pickett (traded for March 10), Gabriel out of Oregon and Sanders out of Colorado. Even if the 40-year-old Flacco wins the job initially in camp, it likely won't take long until Cleveland turns to one of the three younger options, who possess significantly more long-term upside, especially since Sanders was viewed as a likely first-round pick before surprisingly dropping in the draft.
Apr 11, 2025
Returning to Cleveland
Flacco has agreed to a one-year deal with the Browns, Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Per the report, Flacco's deal is for $4 million, though the veteran QB could earn up to $13 million with incentives factored in. Flacco -- who played for the Colts last season -- is thus in line to return to Cleveland, where he won the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award in 2023. Bringing back the 40-year-old bolsters a signal-caller corps that also includes Deshaun Watson -- who could miss most or all of the 2025 season due to an Achilles injury -- and 2022 first-rounder Kenny Pickett. It's also quite possible that the Browns will select another QB in the upcoming NFL draft, but as things stand now, Flacco is in a position to compete with Pickett to be the team's starter in Week 1.
Jan 5, 2025
Ends season with OT win
Flacco completed 23 of 40 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 26-23 overtime win over the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Getting the start in place of Anthony Richardson (back), Flacco hit Alec Pierce for a 40-yard TD on the Colts' first possession and finished the game with respectable numbers. This may have been the 39-year-old quarterback's final NFL game, as he will become a free agent this offseason and hasn't indicated whether he wants to keep playing, but if he does elect to keep playing he seems to be a good fit in Indy as the backup/mentor to the gifted but raw Richardson. Over eight appearances in 2024, Flacco completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 1,761 yards and a 12:7 TD:INT.
Jan 3, 2025
Set to start Sunday
Flacco will start Sunday's season finale against the Jaguars, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The veteran QB will get his second straight start, with Anthony Richardson (back) having been ruled out for Sunday's contest, per head coach Shane Steichen. While filling in for Richardson in Week 17, Flacco completed 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in the Colts' 45-33 loss to the Giants. Flacco thus represents a Week 18 lineup option for those in need of QB help due to injuries or scenarios in which their signal-callers will be limited or rested this weekend.
Dec 29, 2024
Tops 300 yards in Week 17 start
Flacco completed 26 of 38 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions in Sunday's 45-33 loss to the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Making his first start since Week 10, Flacco posted big passing numbers and hit Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman for fourth-quarter TDs, but he also committed three turnovers as he lost a fumble to end the Colts' final possession in addition to his two picks. With Indy now eliminated from postseason contention, it's not clear whether the team will even consider using Anthony Richardson (back/foot) in Week 18 against the Jaguars, or if Flacco might get one more start in 2024.
Dec 28, 2024
Set to start Sunday
With Anthony Richardson (back/foot) ruled out, Flacco is in line to start Sunday's game against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Richardson had been listed as questionable for the contest, but after being downgraded to out Saturday, Flacco will draw the start at QB for the Colts in Week 17. It will be his fifth start this season, with Flacco representing a possible pivot option for those who roster Richardson or Miami's Tua Tagovailoa (hip), who is now doubtful to face the Browns on Sunday.
Dec 27, 2024
Could get pivotal Week 17 start
Flacco could be tasked with starting against the Giants on Sunday, as Mike Chappell of FOX59/CBS4 Sports reports that Anthony Richardson (back/foot) is questionable.
ANALYSIS
Richardson didn't practice in any capacity throughout the week, so the second-year quarterback is in danger of sitting out, with clarity on that front set to arrive no later than 90 minutes prior to Sunday's 1:00 p.m. EST kickoff. Flacco has posted a 9:5 TD:INT across six appearances (four starts) in 2024. The 7-8 Colts need to defeat the 2-13 Giants to have any chance at making the playoffs.
Nov 13, 2024
Returning to No. 2 role
Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday that Flacco will return to a backup role with Anthony Richardson having been named the team's starting quarterback for the rest of the season, JJ Stankeviz of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
After Richardson was benched following the Colts' Week 8 loss to the Texans, Flacco started in both of the past two contests. However, he struggled to protect the ball in losses to the Vikings and Bills, as Flacco completed 67.7 percent of his throws for a respectable 7.3 yards per attempt between the two contests but tossed four interceptions (one of which was returned for a touchdown) and lost two fumbles. Richardson has had his own issues with both accuracy (44.4 percent completion rate) and turnovers (seven interceptions, two lost fumbles) over his six starts this season, but the 4-6 Colts are hoping that the two-week benching will have the 22-year-old in a better position to succeed as he returns to the lineup this Sunday against the Jets. Meanwhile, the 39-year-old Flacco will stay ready in the event Richardson misses time with an injury over the final seven games of 2024 before heading into free agency this offseason.
Nov 11, 2024
Will start again in Week 11
Coach Shane Steichens said Monday that Flacco will remain the Colts' starting quarterback Sunday at the Jets, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco hasn't yielded the kind of returns during starts Week 9 and 10 that he did earlier this season, completing 42 of 62 passes for 451 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions while losing two fumbles in back-to-back losses to the Vikings and Bills. Nevertheless, the Colts will continue to roll with the veteran signal-caller versus second-year pro Anthony Richardson under center for the time being. There's no telling how long this arrangement will stay in place, but the team may need to fall out of playoff contention for a change to be made under center.
Nov 10, 2024
Done in by turnovers in loss
Flacco completed 26 of 35 passes for 272 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions in the Colts' 30-20 loss to the Bills on Sunday. He also lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Flacco's day could have hardly started in more worrisome fashion, as he tossed a pick-six on the Colts' first play from scrimmage and then closed out Indianapolis' second possession with a second interception in Bills' territory. Flacco was able to partly atone from a fantasy perspective with a two-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Goodson and a 10-yard scoring toss to Alec Pierce with only two seconds remaining, but the latter was preceded by a lost fumble and a third interception that both unfolded on Buffalo's side of the field as well. Flacco hasn't been very effective from a real-world football perspective during his current two-game starting stint, raising the possibility Anthony Richardson returns to the starting role in a Week 11 road matchup against the Jets.
Nov 4, 2024
Will start again in Week 10
Speaking Monday, coach Shane Steichen announced Flacco will remain the Colts' starting quarterback for Week 10 against the Bills, George Bremer of The Anderson Herald Bulletin reports.
ANALYSIS
As Anthony Richardson was benched, Flacco was given the starting reins last week, but the veteran face-planted in his Sunday night start against the Vikings, where he completed just 16 of 27 pass attempts (56.9 percent) for 179 scoreless yards and one interception. Flacco absorbed three sacks and failed to lead a single touchdown drive in the 21-13 loss. Flacco will get at least one more shot under center but gets another tough test versus Buffalo.
Nov 3, 2024
No TDs, two turnovers in Week 9
Flacco completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards, no touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 21-13 loss to the Vikings. He also rushed twice for minus-1 yard and lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Flacco's first-half stats were reminiscent of the poor production that got Anthony Richardson benched in favor of the veteran, as Flacco completed just six of 10 passes for 62 yards and was charged with a fumble on a botched handoff. The veteran quarterback upped his yardage total in the second half, but he threw an ugly interception early in the fourth quarter and an incomplete pass on fourth down to end the Colts' penultimate possession. Flacco led Indianapolis to only six points on offense, as the defense contributed a touchdown. If Flacco doesn't improve substantially in Week 10 against the Bills, the 4-5 Colts could opt to turn back to Richardson as they try to balance their pursuit of a playoff berth this season and the future of the team's quarterback position.
Oct 30, 2024
Starter going forward
Head coach Steichen noted Wednesday that Flacco will start at quarterback for the Colts "going forward," JJ Stankevitz of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
It was already known that Colts planned to start Joe Flacco rather than Anthony Richardson on Sunday night against the Vikings, however Steichen clarified Wednesday that the move is not just a one-week change. With that in mind, Steichen said, "I'm just looking where we're at as a football team, sitting at .500 with a lot of football left...and feel that Joe gives us the best chance going forward." While Steichen says that the team is "not giving up on (Richardson) by any means," the 2023 first-rounder will be the team's backup signal-caller for the foreseeable future, a context that makes Flacco a worthwhile add for those in need of QB help heading into Week 9 action.
Oct 29, 2024
Will start against Minnesota
Flacco will start Sunday at Minnesota in place of Anthony Richardson, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Head coach Shane Steichen hinted at a possible change under center Monday, when he was non-committal about Richardson's status for Week 9. Flacco filled in admirably with a 7:1 TD:INT in three games (two starts) when Richardson was injured earlier in the season. Richardson, meanwhile, has failed to complete more than 50 percent of his pass attempts in any of the five games he's finished this season. It's not clear at this point if Flacco will be the starter the rest of the season, but he may continue to lead the offense while the Colts are in the playoff hunt.
Oct 28, 2024
Could start at Minnesota
Flacco could start this week at Minnesota as Colts head coach Shane Steichen said "we're evaluating everything" when asked Monday whether Anthony Richardson will start Sunday's game, Stephen Holder of ESPN.comreports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco played one snap on offense in Sunday's loss at Houston when Richardson pulled himself from the game due to the need for rest, which drew criticism Monday from his teammates. Flacco filled in admirably with a 7:1 TD:INT in three games (two starts) when Richardson was injured earlier in the season. The Colts may decide Flacco gives the team a better chance to win while they still have shot at the playoffs and delay Richardson's development. A starter likely won't be announced until later in the week.
Oct 18, 2024
Back to bench in Week 7
Flacco will return to a backup role Sunday against the Dolphins, as Colts head coach Shane Steichen confirmed Friday that Anthony Richardson (oblique) will start, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Richardson's ready to return from a two-game absence, so Flacco will move back to the bench. Flacco filled in admirably with a 7:1 TD:INT over the past three games (two starts). There is a strong argument to be made that the 39-year-old Flacco gives the Colts a better chance to win now, but the team is understandably handing the reins back over to the 22-year-old Richardson, who has higher long-term upside.
Oct 13, 2024
Pair of scores in victory
Flacco completed 22 of 38 passes for 189 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in the Colts' 20-17 win over the Titans on Sunday. He also rushed once for one yard.
ANALYSIS
Flacco turned in a workman-like performance that saw him struggle at times, including on a first-quarter interception that lead to a Titans touchdown. However, the veteran signal-caller continued to battle throughout and eventually led scoring drives on three straight possessions between late in the third quarter and the midway point of the final period. Flacco connected with Josh Downs (22 yards) and Michael Pittman (10 yards) for his pair of touchdown passes, and if Anthony Richardson (oblique) makes his return against the Dolphins in Week 7 as expected, Flacco will have completed his early-season fill-in tenure with a trio of multi-touchdown tallies.
Oct 13, 2024
Getting another start
Flacco will start Sunday's game against the Titans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Anthony Richardson (oblique) is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest, and though reports leading up to the contest suggested he would be on track to start, he'll ultimately be inactive as the emergency No. 3 quarterback while the Colts give him another week to heal up. Flacco is thus in line for a second straight start after he completed 33 of 44 attempts for 359 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in last week's loss to the Jaguars. With Flacco under center, the fantasy outlooks for most of the Colts' key pass catchers should increase, and running backs Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson could see their projections improve without Richardson around to poach carries.
Oct 6, 2024
Stellar numbers in Week 5 loss
Flacco completed 33 of 44 passes for 359 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions and added three carries for 22 yards in the Colts' 37-34 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Flacco led the Colts to a modest 10 points in the first half, although he did connect for his first touchdown toss of the day during that span via a one-yard connection with Michael Pittman in the first quarter. The veteran signal-caller heated up in the second half, however, hitting Mo Alie-Cox and Alec Pierce for scoring strikes of 18 and 65 yards, respectively, and just narrowly missing another TD to each on an overthrow to the tight end and a play in which the speedy wideout was ruled down by contact at the one-yard line following a 46-yard gain. Flacco recorded completions to nine different targets overall, but his otherwise standout afternoon was partly marred by taking a sack with 12 seconds remaining and no timeouts. Nevertheless, Flacco once again proved his ability to step in and deliver starter-quality production, and it remains to be seen if it will be him or Anthony Richardson (hip/oblique) who gets the starting call for a Week 6 divisional road clash against the Titans.
Oct 6, 2024
Draws start with Richardson out
Flacco will start Sunday's game against the Jaguars with Anthony Richardson (oblique) inactive for the contest, JJ Stankevitz of the Colts' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
The starting assignment was fully expected after Flacco took most of the first-team reps during practice this week while Richardson was listed as a limited participant in sessions Wednesday through Friday due to the oblique strain he sustained in last week's 27-24 win over the Steelers. Upon entering the Week 4 game in relief of Richardson on the Colts' second drive, Flacco completed 16 of 26 pass attempts for 168 yards and two touchdowns. With Richardson and top running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) both sitting out Sunday, the Colts could rely more heavily on the Flacco-led passing attack, which could increase the viability of receivers Michael Pittman and Josh Downs as fantasy options in Week 5.
Oct 5, 2024
Primed for start
Flacco appears to be in position to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars after the Colts announced Anthony Richardson (oblique) is now listed as doubtful for the matchup.
ANALYSIS
It speaks volumes to Richardson's struggles this year that Flacco was able to immediately jumpstart the passing attack, specifically for Michael Pittman, after seeing it struggle significantly through the previous three weeks. That the veteran's success came at the expense of what had been one of the league's best defenses in Pittsburgh is all the more surprising. There's expected to be another storm cell hitting the state of Florida in the coming days, but provided the weather is able to hold off Sunday, Flacco appears poised to have another excellent fantasy outing against a Jaguars defense that's allowed the third-most passing yards in 2024.
Sep 29, 2024
Victorious in relief
Flacco completed 16 of 26 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Flacco entered the game in relief of Anthony Richardson (hip) on the team's second drive with the benefit of a lead. He did his part to keep the Colts in front by throwing for scores of 15 and five yards, while also completing a pair of passes for more than 20 yards. Flacco showed the ability to distribute the ball very effectively as a starter for the second half of the 2023 season with the Browns, and the Colts have solid offensive skill-position players that should once again help him if Richardson is forced to miss any additional time.
Aug 15, 2024
Not expected to play Saturday
Flacco isn't expected to play in Saturday's preseason game against the Cardinals, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is expected to sit along with the rest of the Colts' starters. The 39-year-old did play last week against Denver, completing 3-of-5 passes for 28 yards on his lone series of work. Flacco has the Colts' QB2 job sewn up behind Anthony Richardson. Look for plenty of Sam Ehlinger this weekend for Indianapolis.
Aug 12, 2024
Plays one drive in Colts debut
Flacco was 3-of-5 passing for 28 yards and played one series in Sunday's preseason loss to Denver.
ANALYSIS
Flacco should get more work later in the preseason as the backup to Anthony Richardson. The reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year is coming off an impressive showing with Cleveland last season, but will be strictly a backup in Indy. He gives the Colts a veteran capable of keeping the team afloat should Richardson go down.
Mar 13, 2024
Inking with Indy
The Colts and Flacco agree to terms Wednesday on a one-year contract worth up to $8.7 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco's deal reportedly includes $4.5 million guaranteed. The reigning NFL Comeback Player of the Year is coming off an impressive showing with Cleveland last season, having led the team to a playoff appearance, and he's now slated to replace Gardner Minshew as the top backup to second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder). All expectations in Indianapolis are that Richardson will be ready for training camp, and fully cleared well ahead of Week 1, but Flacco makes for a capable backup should he be required to take the field during the 2024 season, in addition to being a valuable mentor.
Jan 31, 2024
Intends to play next season
Flacco, an impending free agent, intents to continue his NFL career during the 2024 season, Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco intends to keep playing in what will be his age-40 season, though it's difficult to gauge what kind of opportunities he'll face on the free agent market. The veteran signal-caller is coming off an impressive, albeit short, run with the Browns, in which he led the team to a 4-1 record across five starts, culminating in a wild-card round playoff exit to the Texans. It seems likely that Cleveland will roll with Deshaun Watson (shoulder) as the starter for the 2024 campaign, but if the team has any concerns about his health, re-signing Flacco could have some appeal. If the Browns aren't interested, Flacco's strong showing in 2023 ought to at least earn him a backup gig elsewhere in the league.
Jan 13, 2024
Impressive run ends
Flacco completed 34 of 46 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in Saturday's 45-14 loss to the Texans. He rushed the ball three times for 13 yards.
ANALYSIS
Flacco entered Saturday's game with four straight wins and a 4-1 record in five starts with the Browns. In that span, he had thrown multiple touchdowns in every matchup. However, that came crashing down in the loss to the Texans, as he threw a pair of pick-sixes on back-to-back possessions in the second half to put the Browns down by three scores. Assuming Deshaun Watson (shoulder) is fully recovered, he'll be the Browns' starting quarterback entering the 2024 season, though Flacco could return as the backup or find a job elsewhere thanks to his strong run to the 2023 campaign.
Jan 3, 2024
Won't start Sunday
Flacco won't start Sunday's game against the Bengals, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With the Browns locked into the No. 5 playoff seed in the AFC, Flacco is slated to be rested in Week 18. As a result, Jeff Driskel will start Sunday's game, backed up by PJ Walker. Flacco's next game action is thus slated to arrive in Cleveland's playoff opener.
Jan 2, 2024
Could be limited Week 18
Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski said the team is still "working through" the possibility of sitting Flacco and other starters for Week 18 against the Bengals, Scott Petrak of the Medina Gazette reports. "It's important for us to finish strong, so that's what we're going to do, and then we'll get as healthy as we can going into the next season," the coach said. "We'll have a plan moving forward. I'll update you guys as we get going through the week."
ANALYSIS
The Browns are locked into the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, so the decision-makers will evaluate what's best for individual players and the team as a whole. Flacco, who turns 39 this month, has been terrific since being named the starter, but it's easy to see him being removed at some point during the game. Other skill players, like Amari Cooper (heel) and Elijah Moore (concussion) may benefit from an off week, which could impact Flacco's production. Fantasy managers will want to monitor news coming out of the practice sessions leading up to Sunday's 1:00 pm ET kickoff.
Dec 28, 2023
Keeps rolling in Week 17 win
Flacco completed 19 of 29 passes for 309 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the Browns' 37-20 win over the Jets on Thursday night. He also rushed twice for three yards and committed two fumbles, losing one.
ANALYSIS
Flacco did the overwhelming majority of his damage in the first half, when the Browns racked up 34 of their 37 points. The veteran signal-caller shook off the absence of Amari Cooper (heel) and the in-game exit of Elijah Moore (head), focusing heavily on David Njoku, with whom he connected on six occasions for 134 yards. Flacco linked up with Jerome Ford for touchdown passes of seven and 50 yards, and he hit Moore with an eight-yard scoring toss before the receiver suffered his injury. Flacco has now four straight 300-yard efforts and five multi-touchdown tallies in as many starts heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale against the Bengals on Jan. 7, a game that will be followed by at least one postseason contest courtesy of Thursday's victory.
Dec 24, 2023
Big numbers again in Week 16 win
Flacco completed 27 of 42 passes for 368 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions in Sunday's 36-22 win over the Texans.
ANALYSIS
The 38-year-old QB topped 300 passing yards for the third straight game and tossed multiple TDs for the fourth straight game, as Flacco's presence under center continues to revitalize what had been a stagnant Browns passing attack. Amari Cooper has been the biggest beneficiary of Flacco's arrival, and the wideout set a franchise record Sunday with 265 receiving yards. If there's one yellow flag regarding Flacco's career renaissance, it's that he has yet to face a secondary that grades out as even above-average statistically, but that will change in Week 17 when Sauce Gardner and the Jets come to Cleveland.
Dec 21, 2023
Back to full practice
Flacco (calf) was a full practice participant Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is ready to make another start Sunday in Houston, after leading the Browns to back-to-back wins over the Jaguars and Bears. He's surprisingly thrown for at least 254 yards and two touchdowns in each of his three starts, but that's largely due to massive volume (44 or 45 attempts in every game) and has also come with five interceptions and two fumbles (one lost). The underlying efficiency stats -- 57.9 completion rate, 7.1 YPT -- and total lack of rushing production suggest Flacco is unlikely to continue putting up big fantasy scores even if he's stabilizing a Browns offense that had been a complete disaster with P.J. Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center.
Dec 20, 2023
Listed with calf injury
Flacco (calf) is listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram reports.
ANALYSIS
The Browns didn't actually practice but presumably will do so Thursday as they prepare for a road game in Houston this Sunday. Flacco played a full game this past Sunday against the Bears, throwing for 374 yards, two TDs and three INTs in a 20-17 comeback victory.
Dec 17, 2023
Lights up Chicago in comeback win
Flacco completed 28 of 44 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in Sunday's 20-17 win over the Bears.
ANALYSIS
The three INTs included a pick-six by Tremaine Edmunds on Flacco's first pass attempt of the second half, and the miscues helped dig a 17-7 hole for the Browns heading into the fourth quarter. The 38-year-old QB put together an impressive comeback in the final frame however, leading Cleveland on three scoring drives that included a 51-yard TD pass to Amari Cooper. The 374 passing yards were Flacco's highest total in a game since Week 2 of the 2018 season, his final campaign with the Ravens. Firmly entrenched as the Browns' starting QB, he'll look to lead the team to a third straight win in Week 16 against the Texans in a game that could have big implications for the AFC playoff picture.
Dec 14, 2023
Signed to active roster
Flacco has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Browns ahead of Week 15 action, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The move comes as no surprise, given that coach Kevin Stefanski announced after the Browns' 31-27 win over the Jaguars in Week 14 that Flacco would remain the team's starting quarterback for the remainder of the season. Prior to his last two starts for Cleveland, Flacco was elevated from the practice squad, but now that he's officially on the active roster, no such transaction will be required in advance of Sunday's game against the Bears.
Dec 11, 2023
Heads back to practice squad
Flacco reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
ANALYSIS
This move is merely procedural after the Browns elevated Flacco to start the team's last two games. So far, he's fared well in those outings, completing 49 of 89 passes for 565 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions while losing his only fumble. Cleveland has gone 1-1 in that span to remain firmly in the playoff race at 8-5, and coach Kevin Stefanski called Flacco the Browns' starting quarterback for the rest of the season following Sunday's 31-27 win against the Jaguars. It remains to be seen if the team will keep him on the practice squad this week in order to elevate him for a Week 15 matchup with the Bears or instead sign him outright to the active roster, but both options are on the table.
Dec 10, 2023
Named starter after victory
Flacco completed 26 of 45 passes for 311 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in Sunday's 31-27 win over the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
The Browns relied heavily on Flacco and the passing attack for the second consecutive week, though this time he delivered a victory on the strength of three passing touchdowns. He found David Njoku on 34 and 30-yard passes, respectively, to open the scoring, and he closed his performance with a 41-yard toss to David Bell. That was enough to convince coach Kevin Stefanski that Flacco should lead the team moving forward, as he was named the starter for the rest of the season following the win, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. For that to happen, Flacco must be signed to the active roster, as he was elevated from the practice squad for the last two games.
Dec 10, 2023
Remains on track to start
Flacco remains slated to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars, despite the Browns having not made an official announcement on a Week 14 starting quarterback, sources confirmed to ESPN.com.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was elevated from the practice squad Saturday in anticipation of his second straight start, which comes after he completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in the Browns' 36-19 loss to the Rams in Week 13. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson had started the preceding two games before sitting out Week 13 while recovering from a concussion, but he cleared the five-step protocol Friday and is active for Sunday's contest. While Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal suggests that Thompson-Robinson could be deployed in special packages that take advantage of his mobility, Flacco handled most of the first-team reps in practice this week and should see the bulk of the snaps behind center, if not all of them. The presence of the strong-armed Flacco at quarterback should boost the fantasy outlooks for the Browns' top three pass catchers, wideouts Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore and tight end David Njoku.
Dec 10, 2023
Expected to get Week 14 start
Flacco appears to be in line to start Sunday's game against the Jaguars, though the Browns haven't formally announced their plans at quarterback, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson had made two straight starts before missing the Browns' Week 13 game against the Rams with a concussion, paving the way for Flacco to direct the offense following his elevation from the practice squad. Though the Browns ultimately lost to the Rams, 36-19, Flacco was reasonably effective in moving the offense, as he completed 23 of 44 pass attempts for 254 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Thompson-Robinson cleared concussion protocol and turned in a full practice to close out the week to erase any concerns about his availability for Sunday, but head coach Kevin Stefanski continued to play coy with the Browns' quarterback situation when he spoke to the media Friday, noting that either Thompson-Robinson or Flacco would serve as the team's Week 14 starter. Given that he's coming off a decent showing in his Browns debut and still took most of the first-team reps in practice this week before being elevated from the practice squad once again Saturday, Flacco appears more lik
Dec 9, 2023
Elevated to active roster
Flacco was elevated to the Browns' active roster Saturday, Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Presumably, the Browns wouldn't elevate Flacco to the active roster unless they plan to start the veteran, but the team hasn't officially made that confirmation. Flacco's 2023 season debut was a resounding success by Cleveland's passing standards, as the 38-year-old threw for the second most (254) passing yards by a Browns quarterback this season, and the most since Week 3. A costly interception late in last week's contest ruined a possible comeback attempt against the Rams, but Sunday's matchup against Jacksonville looks far more promising after the struggling defensive unit allowed Cincinnati's Jake Browning to throw for 354 yards in his first career start. Look for added context with regard to the Browns' Week 14 starting quarterback situation to arrive as Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff approaches.
Dec 8, 2023
Sunday starter TBD
As Sunday's game against the Jaguars approaches, the Browns have thus far elected not to name a starting QB for the contest between Flacco or Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Jake Trotter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Per the report, Thompson-Robinson practiced Friday and is out of the NFL's concussion protocol, but coach Kevin Stefanski won't publicly name his Week 14 starting signal caller. In Thompson-Robinson's absence last weekend, Flacco got the nod against the Rams, completing 23 of his 44 passes for 254 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception in the Browns' 36-19 loss.
Dec 6, 2023
Not yet locked in for Week 14 start
Coach Kevin Stefanski wants to observe practice throughout the week before deciding between Flacco and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) as the starting QB for Sunday's matchup with Jacksonville, Zac Jackson of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It'll default to Flacco if Thompson-Robinson doesn't clear concussion protocol, though the rookie's return to practice Wednesday suggests he's on the right track to do just that. Flacco completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards, two TDs and one INT in a 37-19 loss to the Rams this past Sunday, looking to be at least a modest upgrade on Thompson-Robinson and P.J. Walker.
Dec 4, 2023
Moves back to practice squad
Flacco reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was serviceable in his Browns debut Sunday at the Rams, completing 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He even had Cleveland in striking distance for a win, with the score sitting at 20-19 after he threw his second TD of the contest with 8:49 remaining in the fourth quarter. But Flacco's subsequent interception two minutes later opened the floodgates for L.A., and the final score eventually settled at 36-19 by game's end. Rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson remains in the concussion protocol as of Monday, but even when he's cleared, the team may stick with Flacco under center considering his experience and the fact the Browns are in the postseason mix.
Dec 4, 2023
Solid numbers in 2023 debut
Flacco completed 23 of 44 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns with one interception in Sunday's 36-19 loss to the Rams.
ANALYSIS
Seeing his first game action since Week 18 of last season, Flacco provided the Browns with some stability at quarterback as he tossed a 24-yard TD to Jerome Ford in the first quarter and an eight-yard score to Harrison Bryant in the fourth. The 38-year-old QB played well enough to potentially stick around on the roster, but per Scott Petrak of the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram, coach Kevin Stefanski declined to name a starter for a Week 14 clash with the Jaguars, suggesting that rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) is still in the mix if he clears the league's protocol before next Sunday.
Dec 2, 2023
Ready to start
Flacco was elevated from the practice squad and will start Sunday's contest against the Rams, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
This was simply a procedural move as the Browns had already announced Friday the 38-year-old would start ahead of PJ Walker. Flacco last played five games with the Jets in 2022, and while his counting stats were relatively solid given the expectations (1,051 passing yards, five touchdowns), he also attempted a shockingly high 191 passes, good for a bottom-level 5.5 yards per completion. It remains to be seen if the veteran's efficiency will be dramatically better after not seeing meaningful action on the field in over a year.
Dec 1, 2023
Set to start Sunday
With Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion) ruled out, Flacco is in line to start at QB for the Browns in Sunday's game against the Rams, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com and Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer report.
ANALYSIS
Per Kelsey Russo of the Browns' official site, Flacco took reps with the first team during Wednesday and Thursday's practices and now that it's been confirmed that Thompson-Robinson will be unavailable this weekend, the veteran signal caller is slated to be elevated from the practice squad ahead of Week 13 action in order to draw the start Sunday. In that context, Flacco represents a fantasy option for those in deeper formats or who are otherwise impacted by the fact that six NFL teams have byes this week.
Nov 29, 2023
Could start Sunday
Flacco is now considered the backup to Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who suffered a concussion during Sunday's loss to Denver, Jake Trotter of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
In other words, Flacco may end up starting Sunday's game at the Rams. P.J. Walker filled in after Robinson's injury Sunday and once again proved to be a turnover machine, and Flacco at least would figure to do a better job of avoiding interceptions even if he had no more success sustaining drives and scoring points. The 38-year-old QB joined Cleveland's practice squad last week.
Nov 23, 2023
First practice with Browns
Flacco participated in his first practice Wednesday after being signed to Cleveland's practice squad, Mary Kay Cabot, Dan Labbe and Ashley Bostock of the Cleveland Plain Dealer report.
ANALYSIS
Flacco donned the No. 15 jersey and fired passes to his new teammates for the first time. Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski did not say whether Flacco will be elevated to the No. 2 quarterback Sunday in Denver, but it's reasonable to assume he didn't sign with the Browns to be a No. 3 option behind PJ Walker.
Nov 19, 2023
Joining Cleveland's practice squad
Flacco plans to sign with the Browns' practice squad Monday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco worked out with Cleveland on Friday and will join the team's practice squad a day later. While he won't immediately join the active roster, he'll provide a veteran presence at the quarterback position after Deshaun Watson (shoulder) sustained a season-ending injury. Dorian Thompson-Robinson picked up the win during Sunday's game against the Steelers, and PJ Walker showed some promise as an interim starter earlier this season, so the Browns don't have an urgent need to elevate Flacco to the active roster.
Nov 17, 2023
Signing with Browns not imminent
Flacco isn't expected to sign with the Browns on Friday after working out for the team, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With Cleveland wrapping up preparations for its Week 11 matchup with the Steelers, logistics are the main impediment to an immediate signing. However, Deshaun Watson is out of the season due to a displaced fracture in his right throwing shoulder, leaving Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker as the current in-house options at quarterback for the Browns. Thompson-Robinson is getting the nod this Sunday, but inking Flacco to a contract could be considered if the rookie fifth-round pick flops again. Flacco last saw action for the Jets in the 2022 campaign, completing 110 of 191 passes (57.6 percent) for 1,051 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in five games (four starts).
Nov 17, 2023
Working out with Browns
Flacco is slated to work out for Cleveland on Friday in the wake of Deshaun Watson (shoulder) suffering a season-ending injury, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is one of what may be multiple quarterbacks working out for the Browns, who are likely looking to sign someone to the practice squad as an option behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson and PJ Walker. The 38-year-old boasts substantial experience in the NFL and could also contribute as a mentor within Cleveland's quarterback room. Flacco hasn't suited up for a game this season, but he made 12 appearances with the Jets from 2020-22.
Jan 8, 2023
No TDs in possible swan song
Flacco completed 18 of 33 passes for 149 yards in Sunday's 11-6 loss to the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Flacco failed to lead a touchdown drive, but that had already been a common theme down the stretch for the banged-up and ineffective Jets offense. The veteran quarterback made his 180th career NFL start just eight days before his 38th birthday. It's fair to wonder how many more starts Flacco -- who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason -- has left in him. The Super Bowl XLVII MVP appeared in five games (four starts) in 2022, throwing for 1,051 yards and a 5:3 TD:INT.
Jan 6, 2023
Set to start season finale
Flacco will start Sunday's regular-season finale against the Dolphins with Mike White (ribs) ruled out, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco will slot into the starting lineup for Sunday's road divisional matchup, while Zach Wilson operates as his backup. The 37-year-old started New York's first three games of the season, averaging 300.3 passing yards per game with a total of five touchdowns to three interceptions. It's conceivable that the veteran signal-caller could find success against Miami's vulnerable secondary Week 18.
Dec 26, 2022
Will backup Mike White on Sunday
Head coach Robert Saleh said Monday that Flacco will be the primary backup behind Mike White (ribs) for Sunday's matchup against the Seahawks, Connor Hughes of SNY.tv reports.
ANALYSIS
White was cleared for contract earlier Monday and is expected to reclaim the starting job in Week 17, so Saleh will have Flacco operate as the backup, sending Zach Wilson to the inactive list again. Flacco operated as the starter to begin the season, completing 58.7 percent of his passes for 901 yards and five touchdowns across three games, but he's been relegated to backup duties since.
Dec 14, 2022
Slides to third on depth chart
Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday that Flacco will enter the week as the team's No. 3 quarterback behind Mike White (ribs) and Zach Wilson, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
White is beginning the week as a limited practice participant, but at this stage, Saleh expects the signal-caller to be ready to start by the time Sunday's game against the Lions arrives. If that's the case, Wilson will serve as White's backup after being a healthy scratch the past three weeks, which will likely result in Flacco being inactive for Sunday's contest. Flacco briefly came on in relief for a banged-up White in the Week 14 loss to Buffalo but didn't help his case for sticking as the Jets' top backup; over his six snaps, Flacco completed one of three pass attempts for one yard and also lost a fumble.
Dec 11, 2022
Comes in briefly and fumbles
Flacco completed one of three passes for one yard and lost a fumble in Sunday's 20-12 loss to the Bills.
ANALYSIS
Flacco came in for two plays when Mike White (ribs) took a big hit in the second quarter, then entered again in the third when another hit forced White to go to the locker room. Flacco immediately fumbled, setting up a Buffalo field goal that put the Bills up 17-7. White later returned and finished the game, but if White -- who was sent to the hospital after the game as a precaution, per Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site -- is unable to play in Week 15 against the Lions, the Jets could opt to go with Flacco over Zach Wilson under center
Nov 23, 2022
Set to be backup in Week 12
Flacco will serve as the top backup quarterback Sunday versus the Bears, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
With Zach Wilson (coach's decision) taking a seat in Week 12, Mike White will step in at starter while Flacco will be active and operate as the backup against Chicago. Flacco started the first three games of the season, producing 901 passing yards with five touchdowns while throwing three interceptions.
Oct 30, 2022
Riding pine in Week 8
Flacco (coach's decision) is inactive Week 8 against the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Flacco had been considered the primary backup to Zach Wilson since the latter returned from a knee injury in Week 4, but he'll now find himself as a healthy scratch. Fellow quarterback Chris Streveler was called up from the practice squad this week, but he'll end up on the inactives list as well. That leaves Mike White as the only other active quarterback on the roster after Wilson for the Week 8 showdown.
Sep 28, 2022
Set to resume backup duties
Flacco is set to resume backup duties after coach Robert Saleh announced Wednesday that Zach Wilson (knee) has been cleared and will start Sunday's game against the Steelers, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco started each of the first three games of the season, completing 58.7 percent of his passes for 901 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He also fumbled four times and lost three of them. The veteran quarterback was solid through the first two contests, and he even led a miraculous comeback win over the Browns in Week 2. However, he struggled mightily against the Bengals in Week 3, turning the ball over four times. Regardless, when healthy, Wilson was always expected to reclaim the starting spot, so Flacco's demotion isn't due to his poor play. Saleh has already said multiple times this season that the team wasn't thinking about replacing Flacco with Mike White, so it appears like Flacco will remain the top backup and would be the next man up if Wilson is sidelined again.
Sep 25, 2022
Four turnovers in Week 3 loss
Flacco completed 28 of 52 passes for 285 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in Sunday's 27-12 loss to the Bengals. He also fumbled three times, losing two.
ANALYSIS
The Jets could have made a game of this with better play under center, as Flacco failed to manufacture a touchdown drive while turning the ball over four times. Zach Wilson (knee) is expected to be available in Week 4 against the Steelers, and Flacco's poor performance here should quell any clamoring for him to keep starting over a healthy Wilson, which started up after the Flacco-led Week 2 comeback win over the Browns gave Jets fans a rare reason to celebrate.
Sep 19, 2022
Named Week 3 starter
Flacco will make a third consecutive start Sunday against the Bengals, Connor Hughes of SportsNet New York reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco's 307-yard, four-touchdown performance in New York's Week 2 win over the Browns wasn't enough to stir up a quarterback controversy, as the Jets will still turn back to second-year quarterback Zach Wilson (knee) once Wilson's healthy enough to play. Wilson's progressing well, but the team has already said he won't play against Cincinnati, and Flacco's Week 2 performance was certainly good enough to quiet any murmurs of the Jets turning to Mike White under center against Cincinnati, so Flacco's set for another start.
Sep 18, 2022
Throws four TDs in comeback win
Flacco completed 26 of 44 passes for 307 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's 31-30 win over the Browns. He added six yards on two rushing attempts.
ANALYSIS
Flacco threw a two-yard touchdown to Garrett Wilson in the second quarter but held the ball too long with the Jets in scoring position on their next drive, giving Jadeveon Clowney enough time to come around the edge and strip Flacco for a costly fumble. The veteran quarterback bounced back with a productive drive in the two-minute drill, which he capped with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Breece Hall to tie the game in the final seconds of the first half. New York's offense slowed down for most of the second half, but Flacco came alive with 126 yards and touchdown passes to Corey Davis (66 yards) and Wilson again (15 yards) in the final two minutes as the Jets turned a 30-17 deficit into a 31-30 win. Flacco should retain the starting role in Week 3 against the Bengals in what's expected to be the last game of Zach Wilson's (knee) absence.
Sep 14, 2022
Set for another start
Flacco is expected to remain the Jets' starter Week 2 versus the Browns, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco will get a second straight start as Zach Wilson (knee) continues his recovery, setting up Mike White to once again handle backup duties. The veteran signal-caller surpassed 300 passing yards in Week 1 mostly due to extreme volume, completing 37 of 59 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown and one INT while attempting to catch up from a deficit against Baltimore. It seems unlikely that Flacco repeats such volume versus Cleveland, but if he can prove more efficient it will be beneficial for the likes of Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson and Braxton Berrios
Sep 11, 2022
Tops 300 yards in loss to Ravens
Flacco completed 37 of 50 passes for 307 yards, one touchdown and once interception in Sunday's 24-9 loss to the Ravens. He also rushed once for no gain.
ANALYSIS
Flacco's robust yardage total was the product of volume rather than efficiency, as he averaged just 5.2 yards per passing attempt. His high volume came from a negative game script, as the Jets trailed throughout the game, thanks in part to Flacco's first-quarter interception, which led to Baltimore' first points. By the time Flacco found Tyler Conklin for a three-yard touchdown with a minute left, the game had long been decided in Baltimore's favor. Flacco will remain the Jets' starter against the Browns in Week 2, with Zach Wilson still recovering from a knee injury.
Sep 7, 2022
Confirmed as Week 1 starter
Coach Robert Saleh confirmed Wednesday that Flacco will start Sunday's regular season opener against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Per Eric Allen of the Jets' official site, Zach Wilson (knee) likely won't be available until Week 4, meaning that Flacco is in line to handle the team's QB duties for the team's first three game. In the process, Flacco will be working with a wideout corps that includes Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, Garrett Wilson and Braxton Berrios, a context that gives him some short-term lineup utility in QB-heavy fantasy formats.
Aug 28, 2022
Throws pick six
Flacco completed 7 of 12 passes for 76 yards but had an interception returned for a touchdown in Sunday's 31-27 preseason win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Flacco played four drives, leading the Jets to just three points while gifting the Giants a touchdown with an interception thrown directly to opposing linebacker Austin Calitro. With Zach Wilson (knee) still recovering from surgery, Flacco is expected to start in Week 1 versus the Ravens, his former team. While Sunday's performance wasn't particularly reassuring, Flacco is at least surrounded by a promising supporting cast that includes wideouts Elijah Moore, Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis, as well as second-round tailback Breece Hall.
Aug 28, 2022
Starting Sunday
Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Flacco, along with the rest of the team's offensive starters, will play at least the first quarter of Sunday's preseason finale against the Giants, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
As expected, Flacco and the Jets will treat their final exhibition game as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. The veteran quarterback is second on the depth chart, but he's expected to be the team's Week 1 starter after Zach Wilson underwent arthroscopic surgery Aug. 16.
Aug 23, 2022
Should start this weekend
Coach Robert Saleh said Flacco and other projected Week 1 starters will play in Sunday's preseason game against the Giants, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Saleh said the Jets will treat their final exhibition as a dress rehearsal, playing the healthy starters. Flacco is second on the depth chart, of course, but he'll likely start Week 1 against Baltimore after QB Zach Wilson had arthroscopic surgery Aug. 16 on his meniscus.
Aug 22, 2022
Not slated to play Monday
Flacco is among the Jets players in line to be held out of Monday's preseason game against the Falcons, Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
With Zach Wilson bouncing back from arthroscopic knee surgery, ESPN's Rich Cimini relays that it's likely that Flacco will start at QB for the Jets in Week 1. As for Monday's contest, Mike White and Chris Streveler are available to handle the team's signal caller reps.
Aug 16, 2022
Still on track for Week 1 start
Flacco is on track to start Week 1 against the Ravens even after fellow Jets quarterback Zach Wilson had successful meniscus surgery Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
The Jets got good news Tuesday afternoon, with Wilson able to have the relatively less invasive surgery and now facing a recovery timeline of approximately 2-4 weeks. That suggests he could be back in time for Week 1, in theory, but the Jets reportedly are inclined to be cautious, in part because Wilson also has a bone bruise in his knee and doesn't figure to do much physical activity the next couple weeks. Flacco has been taking most of the first-team practice reps since Wilson got hurt in the preseason opener, while Mike White next up and Chris Streveler bringing up the rear.
Aug 15, 2022
Starter while Wilson recovers
Flacco has been taking first-team reps since Zach Wilson sustained a knee injury in Friday's preseason game against the Eagles, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Wilson's scheduled to have arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday, after which point he'll be expected to miss 2-4 weeks barring further setbacks. While Wilson's out, Flacco will operate as the Jets' starter, and that stint as the team's top quarterback could include a Week 1 showdown against Flacco's former team, the Ravens.
Aug 10, 2022
Running ahead of White
Flacco is the Jets' No. 2 quarterback heading into Friday's preseason opener against the Eagles, behind Zach Wilson and ahead of Mike White, Al Iannazzone of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Wilson's expected to play 1-2 series Friday before giving way to Flacco, who will likely split the remainder of the game with White. While White flashed some upside with a 405-yard performance against the Bengals last season, Flacco's extensive experience as a starter has him in the driver's seat for the backup job, which would make him the next man up should Wilson struggle or get hurt.
Mar 16, 2022
Returns to Jets
Flacco has signed a one-year deal to remain with the Jets, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Cimini, the 37-year-old's deal is for $3.5 million, plus incentives. Now that he's back in the fold, Flacco, who logged one spot start at QB with the Jets last season, will continue to provide the team with an experienced backup/mentor for Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Jan 14, 2022
Solid in lone start of 2021
Flacco appeared in two games (one start) in 2021 and completed 27 of 42 passes for 338 yards and three touchdowns. He added three yards on two rushing attempts and lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
The veteran quarterback didn't see any playing time with the Eagles but saw some action after a midseason trade to the Jets, for whom he also played in 2020. Flacco showed that he can still be effective when called upon in his brief action, and the 37-year-old quarterback's wealth of experience should make it easy for him to secure a backup job somewhere next season, though his days as an NFL starter are likely behind him.
Dec 29, 2021
Activated by Jets
The Jets activated Flacco (illness) from the reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was expected to miss at least 10 days as an unvaccinated player who tested positive for COVID-19, but he'll be able to return to practice Wednesday due to the league's updated health and safety policies.The 36-year-old should serve as the No. 2 quarterback behind Zach Wilson in Sunday's matchup against Tampa Bay.
Dec 23, 2021
On COVID list for at least 10 days
Flacco (illness) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday, Rich Cimini of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is unvaccinated and will thus have to miss a minimum of 10 days, which means he could return just before the Jets face the Buccaneers in Week 17, but he definitely won't be available Sunday against the Jaguars. Josh Johnson's now a member of the Ravens, but the Jets still have Mike White on hand to back up Zach Wilson while Flacco's unavailable.
Nov 29, 2021
Activated from COVID-19 list
Flacco has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday and will be eligible for Sunday's game against the Eagles, Ethan Greenberg of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco missed last week's game at Houston because the Jets delayed his activation, probably due to the lack of practice reps during the week. He should operate as the backup behind Zach Wilson (knee), a move that would send Josh Johnson to either a third-string role, or right away back to the practice squad.
Nov 28, 2021
Officially out Week 12
Flacco wasn't activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Saturday's deadline for Week 12 roster moves and won't be eligible to play Sunday against the Texans, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was placed on the list Tuesday after he was deemed to be a close contact of fellow quarterback Mike White, who tested positive for the virus. Though Flacco would have been eligible to rejoin the team at some point Saturday if he continued to test negative while in quarantine, his lack of practice reps this week likely prompted the Jets to delay his activation. Josh Johnson was elevated from the practice squad and will serve as the understudy in Sunday's game to Zach Wilson (knee), who reclaims the starting role from Flacco after missing each of the previous four contests due to injury.
Nov 24, 2021
Could serve as backup Sunday
There's an outside chance that Flacco could be available to back up Zach Wilson in Sunday's game against the Texans, depending on his progression through COVID protocols, Eric Allen of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday after he was identified as a close contact of fellow signal-caller Mike White, who tested positive for the virus. If Flacco is unavailable this weekend, which still appears likely, Josh Johnson would be in line to serve the team's No. 2 QB behind Wilson on Sunday.
Nov 23, 2021
Lands on COVID-19 list
Flacco (undisclosed) was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.
ANALYSIS
Fellow quarterback Mike White also landed on the COVID list, apparently due to a positive test, per Adam Schefter of ESPN. Flacco said last week he's not vaccinated, and he is sidelined as a close contact for Week 12. Rookie Zach Wilson (knee) is set to return from a four-game absence to start Sunday at Houston, with Josh Johnson on tap to be promoted from the practice squad to fill backup duties.
Nov 21, 2021
Just shy of 300 yards in spot start
Flacco completed 24 of 39 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 24-17 loss to the Dolphins. He added three yards on two rushing attempts and lost a fumble.
ANALYSIS
Flacco found Jamison Crowder for a two-yard touchdown on 4th-and-goal to tie the score at seven apiece in the first quarter, but the veteran quarterback fumbled on a 2nd-and-goal play on the following drive, forfeiting a golden opportunity to take the lead. In the third quarter, Flacco threw another game-tying touchdown, this time hitting Elijah Moore for a 62-yarder. Unfortunately for the Jets, Flacco didn't have another answer in him once Miami retook the lead in the fourth. Flacco filled in capably, but the rebuilding Jets are expecting to get rookie starter Zach Wilson (knee) back in Week 12 against the Texans.
Nov 17, 2021
On track for Week 11 start
The Jets are planning to have Flacco start at quarterback in Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
After failing to see any action as a backup for the Eagles before being acquired by the Jets on Oct. 25, Flacco made his season debut in garbage time of a 45-17 loss to the Bills last weekend. While he was sharp across six snaps -- he completed all three of his pass attempts for 47 yards and a touchdown -- his ascension to the starting role has more to do with Zack Wilson's (knee) iffy health and Mike White's struggles in leading the offense against Buffalo. According to Cimini, the Jets aren't confident that Wilson is 100 percent healthy, and the team is reluctant to reinsert the No. 2 overall pick back in the lineup until he proves he's completely recovered from a PCL sprain of his right knee. With that in mind, White could slot in as the top backup this week for Flacco, who profiles as a low-end fantasy option even in leagues with a superflex spot.
Nov 14, 2021
Sharp in limited relief work
Flacco entered on New York's final drive of Sunday's 45-17 loss to the Bills and completed all three of his passes for 47 yards and a touchdown.
ANALYSIS
Mike White was picked off four times and failed to throw a touchdown before the team threw Flacco in there and got immediate results out of the veteran, highlighted by a 15-yard touchdown pass to Elijah Moore. Flacco's strong performance, albeit in limited action, has him in contention to start in Week 11 against the Dolphins, depending on the health of Zach Wilson (knee) and how the Jets evaluate White's poor performance in his third NFL start.
Nov 14, 2021
Dressing as backup Sunday
Flacco will serve as the Jets' backup quarterback behind starter Mike White in Sunday's game against the Bills, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
He'll be suiting up for the first time since the Jets acquired him in a trade from the Eagles on Oct. 25. Flacco has seemingly gotten sufficient time to get up to speed with his new team's playbook, but he's more likely to fall to third on the depth chart than moving into a starting role at any point this season. Zach Wilson (knee) will remain inactive for Sunday's game, but the rookie should be available to either start next week against the Dolphins or serve as White's top backup.
Nov 4, 2021
Inactive versus Colts
Flacco is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Colts.
ANALYSIS
With Flacco inactive Thursday, Josh Johnson is in line to be Mike White's backup in Week 9, while Zach Wilson remains sidelined with a knee injury.
Oct 29, 2021
Practices with new team
Flacco practiced Friday for the first time since being acquired from the Eagles on Monday, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports. He's still expected to be a healthy scratch Sunday against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Flacco had been dealing with a personal matter in the immediate aftermath of being traded, but he reported to the facility Friday, as expected. With such little time to get to know his teammates and learn the playbook, Flacco will sit out in Week 8, but he could make his Jets debut as soon as Thursday's Week 9 clash against the Colts. Whether he does so will likely depend on how quickly Flacco picks up the playbook, as well as how Mike White fares in his first NFL start against the Bengals.
Oct 29, 2021
Looking to leapfrog White
Flacco -- who will be inactive Sunday against the Bengals -- believes he'll take over as New York's starting quarterback in the coming weeks while Zach Wilson recovers from a knee injury, Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media reports. "I see myself playing here at some point in the next couple weeks," Flacco said.
ANALYSIS
Acquired from the Eagles for a sixth-round pick earlier in the week, Flacco will sit while Mike White gets the start against the Bengals on Sunday and Josh Johnson works as the backup. New York's coaching staff hasn't made a commitment at quarterback beyond that game, but Flacco believes he'll be the starter under center once he gets up to speed on the team's offense. There's no question the 36-year-old former Super Bowl champion is the more accomplished quarterback compared to White, whose first regular-season pass came in Week 7 against the Patriots after he replaced Wilson, who's projected to miss 2-4 weeks.
Oct 27, 2021
Won't start this week
Flacco (personal reasons) is participating in meetings virtually, but won't practice with the Jets until Friday, Andy Vasquez of The Bergen Record reports.
ANALYSIS
As a result, the veteran QB, who the team traded for earlier this week, is not an option to start Sunday's game against the Bengals in place of Zach Wilson (knee). Mike White is thus in line for his first NFL regular-season start, while either Flacco or Josh Johnson will serve as the Jets' backup this weekend. With Wilson in line to miss time beyond Week 8, Flacco is a candidate to move into a starting role down the road, but as for when that might happen, coach Robert Saleh noted Wednesday "we'll see how it goes," Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.
Oct 25, 2021
Headed to Jets
The Eagles are slated to trade Flacco to the Jets in exchange for a conditional draft pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Schefter, the pick will be a conditional sixth-rounder that could become a fifth-round choice, depending on Flacco's playing time. The Jets are making the move with rookie starter Zach Wilson in line to miss time with a PCL injury, and while Flacco isn't stepping into an ideal team context, he's an upgrade over current backup Mike White and is thus work a look for those scrambling for depth in two-QB formats.
Aug 28, 2021
Could still be No. 2 QB?
The Eagles plan to keep Flacco even after trading for Gardner Minshew on Saturday, John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia reports.
ANALYSIS
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that Minshew will start off as the No. 3 quarterback in Philadelphia, though most would say he's better than Flacco at this point in their respective careers. The Eagles plan to roster three quarterbacks this year, with the third being Week 1 starter Jalen Hurts.
Mar 23, 2021
Finds new home in Philly
The Eagles and Flacco agreed to a contract Tuesday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
After an 11-year stint with the Ravens, Flacco continues his journeyman status backing up a young quarterback. In his past two stints with the Broncos and Jets, he combined to complete 61.9 percent of his passes for 2,686 yards, 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games (12 starts). Flacco will serve as the primary backup to second-year signal-caller Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia.
Jan 3, 2021
Six TDs in four starts overall
Flacco finishes the 2020 season with 864 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.
ANALYSIS
Flacco compiled those numbers over five appearances (four starts) while going winless for a Jets team that finished 2-14. He'll likely land a role as a veteran backup somewhere next season on a contract similar to the one-year pact he signed with New York in 2020.
Nov 27, 2020
Returns to backup role
Flacco will revert to a backup role with Sam Darnold (shoulder) cleared to play Sunday against the Dolphins, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco didn't exactly light it up with Darnold sidelined, completing 54.5 percent of his passes, averaging 212 yards per game and throwing six touchdowns versus three interceptions in four spot starts. Now relegated to reserve duty, Flacco likely will need another injury -- or aggravation of Darnold's right throwing shoulder -- before he'll get another chance under center.
Nov 22, 2020
Throws two TDs vs. Chargers
Flacco completed 15 of 30 pass attempts for two touchdowns and one interception during Sunday's 34-28 loss to the Chargers.
ANALYSIS
Flacco completed just half his passes and averaged a lackluster 6.8 yards per attempt while throwing a pick-six on his second drive. He turned things around in the second half, completing touchdown passes on his first two possessions, and he finished with a respectable fantasy line by his standards. Flacco, who has 467 yards and a 5:2 TD:INT over the last two games, could start again next Sunday against the Dolphins if Sam Darnold (shoulder) is unable to play, but he could find the going tough against a surprisingly stingy defensive unit.
Nov 16, 2020
Will start again Week 11
Flacco will start under center in this Sunday's game versus the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The Jets were hoping Sam Darnold (shoulder) would be ready following the Week 10 bye, but they're being cautious with his recovery and will keep him on the sidelines for another week. Flacco struggled a bit in his first two starts of the year before turning it around in the Week 9 loss to New England when he completed 72 percent of his passes for 262 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. His deep ball was quite good, too, and he showed a strong connection with both Breshad Perriman and Jamison Crowder. Flacco will look to keep that momentum rolling, but he draws a tough matchup, as the Chargers have held opposing quarterbacks to less than 200 passing yards in three of the last four games.
Nov 10, 2020
Throws three TDs in loss
Flacco completed 18 of 25 passes for 262 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in Monday night's 30-27 loss to the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Flacco enjoyed an excellent start to the game, beating the Patriots' secondary with a couple vintage deep balls. He first found Breshad Perriman with a 50-yard touchdown to begin the second quarter, then dropped in a beautiful 20-yarder to Jamison Crowder just before halftime. With another TD connection with Perriman in the third -- this time from 15 yards -- Flacco put the Jets in a strong position to seal their first win, but a fourth-quarter interception and other team miscues undid that effort. With New York now entering its bye week, it's unclear whether Flacco or Sam Darnold (shoulder) will be under center when the team returns to face the Chargers in Week 11.
Nov 9, 2020
Gets another start Monday
Flacco will start Monday against the Patriots for the injured Sam Darnold (shoulder), who is inactive.
ANALYSIS
Darnold aggravated his right shoulder injury in the Jets' Week 8 loss at Kansas City, setting the stage for Flacco to see action for the fourth time this season. While his completion percentage is only 52, with 397 yards, one touchdown and one interception in three appearances, Flacco will have the Jets' top three wide receivers available (Jamison Crowder, Breshad Perriman and Denzel Mims). Flacco will look to exploit a Patriots defense that has allowed an NFL-worst 8.6 yards per attempt this season.
Nov 7, 2020
Likely starting Monday
Flacco is expected to start Monday against the Patriots after Sam Darnold re-injured his throwing shoulder during practice, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Add yet another marker to a bizarre season for Jets quarterbacks. Darnold injured his shoulder in a Week 4 contest against the Broncos, missing two games only to return and post relatively mundane numbers in losses to the Bills and Chiefs, respectively. The 2018 first-round pick evidently re-injured his shoulder in the latest aforementioned loss, although both Darnold and coach Adam Gase seemed to suggest earlier in the week the injury wasn't particularly serious. The tune has certainly changed now with Flacco all but confirmed to start Monday against the Patriots. In his two starts earlier this season, Flacco completed just over 50 percent of his passes for 381 yards and one touchdown to go along with an interception. Reinforcements could be on the way for Flacco though as it looks as if the Jets might have all three of their top pass catchers available with Breshad Perriman (concussion) and Jamison Crowder (groin) both trending in the right direction to start alongside Denzel Mims.
Oct 23, 2020
Likely returning to backup role
Jets head coach Adam Gase said Friday that he expects Sam Darnold (shoulder) to start Sunday against the Bills, likely relegating Flacco to backup duties, Ralph Vacchiano of SportsNet New York reports.
ANALYSIS
While Darnold was sidelined for the last two games with a sprained shoulder, Flacco oversaw an unproductive offense in blowout losses to the Cardinals and Dolphins, completing only 39 of 77 passes (50.6 percent) for one touchdown, one interception and just 4.9 yards per attempt. Though Darnold may still end up carrying a designation into the weekend after being a limited participant through the Jets' first two practices of the week, Gase noted the young signal-caller is "trending in the right direction" and should be ready to start "barring any setbacks." Darnold's presence should offer an improved outlook for New York's other pass-catching options compared to Flacco, but the winless Jets will still be heavy home underdogs against the division-leading Bills.
Oct 18, 2020
Shut down by Dolphins
Flacco completed 21 of 44 passes for 186 yards with an interception in Sunday's 24-0 loss to the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
The Jets got absolutely nothing going on offense in this one, and the closest they came to putting points on the board was when Sam Ficken missed a 55-yard field goal attempt late in the third quarter. Flacco has failed to throw for 200 yards in either of his starts this season, but with Sam Darnold (shoulder) not yet practicing, the veteran QB could find himself under center again in Week 7 against the Bills.
Oct 14, 2020
Will draw another start
Flacco will start Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
With Sam Darnold still dealing with pain in his throwing shoulder, the Jets plan to proceed cautiously with him, paving the way for Flacco to make his second consecutive start. The veteran signal-caller completed 18 of 33 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown in Week 5's loss to the Cardinals, so it's hard to get fired up about his fantasy prospects this week, while helming an 0-5 squad. The Jets have moved on from running back Le'Veon Bell, but on the plus side, the team could welcome Breshad Perriman (ankle) back to the pass-catching mix this weekend.
Oct 11, 2020
Gets little help in loss
Flacco completed 18 of 33 passes for 195 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 30-10 loss to the Cardinals. He added 20 rushing yards on four carries.
ANALYSIS
The veteran quarterback didn't play too badly in his first start as a Jet, but his offensive line didn't give him much time and his receivers dropped a number of catchable passes. Flacco could get another start in Week 6 against the Chargers with Sam Darnold (shoulder) lacking a clear timetable for his return, but the state of the roster around them makes it unlikely either QB will be able to put up solid numbers any time soon.
Oct 7, 2020
Set to start in Week 5
Coach Adam Gase noted Wednesday that Flacco is slated to start at QB for the Jets on Sunday against the Cardinals, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Sam Darnold is viewed as week-to-week with a shoulder injury, so it's possible that Flacco could log more that one start while Darnold recovers. Leading an 0-4 team with a banged-up wideout corps isn't an optimal team context from a fantasy perspective, but Flacco's an experienced veteran option, whose presence should allow the Jets to proceed cautiously with Darnold.
Oct 2, 2020
Throws two passes in Jets debut
Flacco completed both of his pass attempts for 16 yards in Thursday's 37-28 loss to the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Flacco saw some brief game action in the first half with Sam Darnold in the locker room with what turned out to be a sprained shoulder. Darnold was cleared to return to the game, pushing Flacco back into a bench role. The 35-year-old quarterback's appearance settled the questions over whether he's ready to see game action following neck surgery, so it's safe to pencil Flacco in as Darnold's top backup moving forward.
Oct 1, 2020
Officially active Thursday
Flacco will serve as the Jets' backup quarterback Thursday versus the Broncos, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
As of Tuesday, Flacco wasn't sure if he'd be ready for the No. 2 gig behind Sam Darnold, but the coaching and medical staffs have come to the conclusion that he's officially recovered from surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck. If he makes his way onto the field Thursday, it'll mark his first appearance since Oct. 27 of last season, when he was a member of the Broncos.
Sep 29, 2020
Not ready to seize backup duties
Flacco (neck) doesn't expect to be the backup quarterback Thursday against the Broncos and said he's relying on the medical staff to decide when he's ready for game action, Andy Vasquez of USA Today Sports reports.
ANALYSIS
It remains to be seen whether the Jets dress Flacco as an emergency third-stringer or leave him sidelined come game day, but it sounds like Mike White will back up Sam Darnold for a fourth consecutive game to open the season. Flacco is practicing in full for a second consecutive week, so it's unclear what more he needs to do to be deemed ready to see the field.
Sep 28, 2020
Absent from injury report
Flacco (neck) wasn't listed on Monday's injury report and is expected to suit up Thursday versus the Broncos, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was expected to be ready for this past Sunday's loss to the Colts, but he was ultimately a scratch. Cleared of the injury again, Flacco will prepare to back up Sam Darnold in Thursday's game, and although Darnold is coming off a rough outing, his surroundings have been less than ideal, so Flacco likely won't play unless Darnold suffers an injury.
Sep 26, 2020
Won't play Sunday after all
Contrary to previous reports, Flacco (neck) is still bothered by his injury and will be inactive Sunday against the Colts, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco practiced and looked healthy this week, but he's not ready to see game action yet. Mike White will back up Sam Darnold in Indianapolis while Flacco will set his sights on a possible Week 4 return Thursday against the Broncos.
Sep 25, 2020
Good to go Sunday
Flacco (neck) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's game against the Colts, Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv reports.
ANALYSIS
The veteran quarterback has been practicing in full all week and should be good to go come Week 3. Flacco's not expected to see the field unless starting quarterback Sam Darnold is benched or hurt, though if coach Adam Gase has any two-quarterback personnel groupings in his playbook, this would be the week to use them; New York will have at most three wide receivers available due to a rash of injuries and it could be as few as two if the questionable Braxton Berrios (hamstring) can't go.
Sep 23, 2020
First full practice with NY
Flacco (neck) had his first full practice as a member of the Jets on Wednesday, clearing him for Sunday's game against the Colts, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco has been angling for a Week 3 return since before the season started, and it appears that the veteran quarterback will meet that goal. He's slated to serve as Sam Darnold's backup as the low-octane Jets offense tries to rev up in Indianapolis on Sunday.
Sep 21, 2020
Nearing return
Flacco (neck) will have another medical checkup early this week and appears close to being cleared for full activity, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
If Flacco indeed manages to gain full medical clearance in the coming days, the Jets may opt to activate him on game day for Week 3's matchup versus the Colts. As soon as he's officially available, Flacco stands to usurp rookie James Morgan as the primary backup to Sam Darnold.
Sep 20, 2020
Inactive for Week 2
Flacco (neck) is listed among the Jets' inactive players for Week 2, per the team's official Twitter account.
ANALYSIS
The Super Bowl-winning quarterback was unable to participate in training camp, but he has been partaking in practice in a limited capacity since Sept. 9. He's been activated off the PUP list and continues to pursue a possible Week 3 return to bolster the backup position behind Sam Darnold.
Sep 9, 2020
Gets in limited practice
Flacco (neck) has passed a physical and was able to practice on a limited basis Wednesday, Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is aiming to be healthy by Week 3, and a return to practice before Week 1, even in a limited fashion, bodes well for the veteran backup's chances. Until Flacco's ready to return, rookie James Morgan will be tasked with holding down the fort behind Sam Darnold.
Sep 5, 2020
Hopes to return in Week 3
Flacco (neck) hasn't practiced yet but hopes to be ready for Week 3's matchup versus the Colts, ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco didn't participate in training camp but passed his physical and was activated off the PUP list Saturday. However, he won't be ready right away, so rookie James Morgan will serve as Sam Darnold's backup to begin the year. Flacco has been increasing the intensity of his workouts, though, so it's realistic that he'll be ready to usurp Morgan as the primary backup before Week 3.
Sep 5, 2020
On team's active roster
Flacco (neck) has passed his physical and will open the season the Jets' active roster.
ANALYSIS
Meanwhile, fellow QB's David Fales and Mike White were released by the team, with Flacco in line to back up Sam Darnold this coming season, along with James Morgan. It remains to be seen how close to 100 percent Flacco is at this stage, but more will be known on that front once the Jets start practicing next week.
Aug 23, 2020
Adds intensity to workouts
Flacco (neck) was spotted doing dropbacks, rollouts and light throwing on a side field during Sunday's practice, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
While Cimini notes that Flacco wasn't going at full speed during the workout, the activity nonetheless represents a step forward for the veteran quarterback, who joined the Jets on a one-year deal in May. Flacco was placed on the PUP list in late July, and though he's unlikely to be available for Week 1, New York is still expected to activate him before the season gets underway. Once he receives full clearance, Flacco will serve as the top backup to Sam Darnold.
Aug 8, 2020
Slated to only miss a bit of 2020
Flacco hasn't had any setbacks following his neck surgery in May, and is only expected to miss one or two games to begin the season, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco was placed on the PUP list earlier last week, but it seems as if the veteran quarterback should be available no later than Week 3 of the new campaign. The 35-year-old is expected to serve as the backup to Sam Darnold.
Jul 30, 2020
Lands on PUP list
Flacco (neck) has been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list, Randy Lange of the Jets' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco, who underwent a disc repair procedure in early April, has already conceded that he won't be available in time for Week 1, so this comes as no surprise. Once he's cleared for action, the 35-year-old signal-caller will serve as Sam Darnold's top backup.
May 26, 2020
Set to miss season opener
Flacco (neck) confirmed Tuesday he won't be healthy in time for the season opener against the Bills on Sept. 13th, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
This was speculated since the veteran quarterback underwent a disc repair procedure in early April, and the Jets were aware of the recovery timeline when they signed him to a one-year, $1.5 million deal last week. Flacco will serve as the top backup to Sam Darnold once healthy, but David Fales and rookie James Morgan will compete in training camp for the job until the veteran is able to suit up.
May 23, 2020
Likely set for contact in September
Flacco (neck) is currently throwing and expects to be ready for contact in mid-September, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The 35-year-old joined the Jets on a one-year, $1.5 million deal this week, but it doesn't appear he'll be ready to go for the season opener. It's not a major surprise since Flacco underwent a disc repair procedure in early April, and it's about on par with his initial recovery timeline. He's poised to serve as the top backup to Sam Darnold once healthy, but David Fales and rookie James Morgan should compete for the role in training camp for Week 1.
May 22, 2020
Agrees to one-year deal with Jets
Flacco (neck) has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco is no longer in the running for a starting job in the NFL, but he will get an opportunity to land a backup gig behind Sam Darnold when he's healthy. Per Schefter, Flacco is expected to be available for non-contact work when training camp begins and figures to be cleared in full in September. He opened the 2018 season as the starter for the Broncos, but a neck injury cost him the back half of it after compiling 1,822 passing yards and a 6:5 TD:INT ratio over eight games. Flacco's new deal can net him up to $4.5 million if he hits his incentive-based bonuses.
Mar 19, 2020
Waived by Broncos
Flacco (neck) will be waived by the Broncos with a failed physical designation, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Parting ways with Flacco cements Drew Lock's status as the Broncos' top signal caller going forward. Assuming Flacco is able to move past the neck issue that shortened his 2019 season, the 35-year-old will look to catch on with another team looking to fill a need at QB.
Feb 18, 2020
Encouraging injury news
Flacco underwent an MRI on his neck and received good news, Mike Klis of 9News Denver reports.
ANALYSIS
The results will be sent to Dr. Andrew Dossett in Dallas for a second opinion, so while things are headed in the right direction, the 35-year-old quarterback still needs to get over some hurdles. Furthermore, whether Flacco returns to action likely depends on what type of risk it would pose to his long-term health. "Joe has every intention to play but not at the risk of his long-term health," Flacco's agent Joe Linta said. We'll have to wait to see how things progress, but Flacco isn't guaranteed a starting role if he is healthy after producing 7.0 yards per target, a 65.0 completion percentage and 6:5 TD:INT ratio over eight games, especially with the emergence of Drew Lock.
Jan 4, 2020
Finishes season with 1,822 yards
Flacco completed 171 of 262 passes for 1,822 yards, six touchdowns and five interceptions during an injury-shortened 2019 campaign. He added 20 yards on 12 carries and fumbled the ball eight times.
ANALYSIS
The 2019 season probably wasn't what Flacco and the Broncos expected following his offseason trade from Baltimore. The veteran passer's big arm was seldom on display as he seemed to lack his old mobility to roll out and buy time. Instead, the veteran often stood still in the pocket and dumped the ball off before ending his season eight games in with a neck injury. His play tailed off before that as he averaged just 6.0 yards per attempt and no touchdowns in his final three games. There were some silver linings to the 2019 season, including a career-high completion percentage and his highest quarterback rating and yards per attempt since 2014, but Flacco may very well be one-and-done in Denver. Cutting him would result in $13.6 million in dead money, but all of that is carried over from his restructure in 2019. His cap savings of $10 million can probably be used to try to keep youngsters like Justin Simmons around. Though he's willing to come back as a backup, the Broncos would appear to be better off signing
Oct 29, 2019
Could be sidelined 5-6 weeks
Flacco will receive a second opinion on his neck injury, but he could miss as much as 5-6 weeks, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco has likely avoided surgery and a career-threatening issue, but a trip injured reserve isn't off the table, given the timeline and the Broncos' current record. Brandon Allen is expected to handle the starting duties under center until second-round pick Drew Lock (thumb) is ready to return.
Oct 28, 2019
Sitting out Sunday, at least
Coach Vic Fangio said Monday that Flacco won't play Sunday against the Browns due to a neck injury, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Flacco took a massive hit on the last play of this past Sunday's loss at Indianapolis, which may have aggravated a minor neck strain he's been dealing with of late, per Zac Stevens of TheDNVR.com. On Monday, Fangio clarified Flacco's injury, telling Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic that it's "a neck or disk issue." While Flacco is set for a period of rehab, perhaps for multiple weeks, Brandon Allen will take over under center for the Broncos.
Download the app
