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By James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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The Cincinnati Bengals pulled off a shocking trade for former Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco. The longtime veteran will seemingly replace Jake Browning as the starter moving forward.
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Browning has thrown eight interceptions in four starts, which was alarming enough for the Bengals to make a move. While Flacco may be a questionable move, he will be the starter while Joe Burrow heals from his turf toe injury.
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That said, the Bengals need to start winning games, and they may just do so soon. The team got some huge injury news following the Flacco trade that will directly impact the team's offense.
The Bengals have announced they have designated Lucas Patrick for return. Patrick has been out since September 9, when he suffered a calf injury. That injury has lingered for nearly a month.
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Now, Patrick will have his 21-day practice window open, and the Bengals can add him to the 53-man roster at any point during those 21 days. This is huge news for the offensive line.
Patrick signed a one-year deal with the Bengals in 2025, after he spent the 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints, and the previous two seasons with the Chicago Bears.
Patrick is currently rated seventh out of 105 eligible guards on PFF in pass blocking. Flacco needs time to plant his feet and sling the ball, and Patrick's return will certainly aid in that. This is also huge news for Burrow when he returns.
The Bengals are currently 2-3, and their season has yet to slip away. With Flacco in the building, the hope would be that the team can start stringing together some wins while he heals. Flacco has had his own struggles in 2025, but he could rebound with his new team.
At the very least, he will benefit from a solid offensive lineman returning in Patrick.
For more on the Bengals, head to Newsweek Sports.
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