Bengals acquiring QB Joe Flacco from Browns

Tue Oct 7 1:48pm ET
Field Level Media

The Cincinnati Bengals are acquiring quarterback Joe Flacco from the Cleveland Browns, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

Per reports, the Bengals also are picking up a sixth-round pick from the Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick.

The reported trade comes one day after Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that the team would evaluate its options at quarterback given Jake Browning's considerable troubles since replacing the injured Joe Burrow.

Browning, 29, completed 64.5 percent of his throws for 757 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions in four games (three starts) this season for the Bengals (2-3), who have lost three in a row.

The Browns (1-4) turned from Flacco to rookie Dillion Gabriel ahead of last weekend's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Flacco, 40, completed 93 of 160 passes (58.1 percent) for 815 yards and two touchdowns. He has eight turnovers, including six interceptions.

He spent the 2024 season with the Indianapolis Colts after earning NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors with the Browns in 2023.

A Super Bowl XLVII MVP with Baltimore in the 2012 season, Flacco played his first 11 seasons with the Ravens (2008-18) before moving on to the Denver Broncos (2019), New York Jets (2020-22), Browns (2023, 2025) and Colts (2024).

Flacco ranks 12th in NFL history in pass completions (4,259), 13th in attempts (6,911), 16th in yards (46,512) and tied for 22nd in passing touchdowns (259).

Earlier on Tuesday, the Bengals released quarterback Mike White from the practice squad.

White, 30, was signed the Bengals' practice squad on Sept. 16.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 12

Player Notes
Jayden Reed Nov 21 1:20pm ET
Jayden Reed

The Green Bay Packers opened the 21-day practice window on wide receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) on Friday, according to Bill Huber of SI.com. Reed is practicing for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Week 2. The 25-year-old also had surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot. He is making progress and nearing a return, but he won't play this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and is unlikely to be back for the Thanksgiving Day game next Thursday against the division-rival Detroit Lions. That means the most realistic date for Reed to return would be on Sunday, Dec. 7, when the team takes on the division-rival Chicago Bears in Week 14. Reed has demonstrated a nose for the end zone early in his career, scoring 18 times in 35 regular-season games, but he'll probably be a volatile commodity in the fantasy playoffs in a crowded WR room in Green Bay when he finally returns.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Nov 21 1:10pm ET
Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals have not made a final decision on whether quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) will play on Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Burrow was limited in practice on Friday and will officially be listed as questionable for Week 12. Both Burrow and Joe Flacco (shoulder) got reps in practice on Friday. "He's done everything he can," Taylor said about Burrow. The 28-year-old Burrow is still on Injured Reserve, so we should have an answer by Saturday as to whether the Bengals plan to start him this weekend. Flacco continues to deal with an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, but if Cincy decides to hold Burrow out for another week, Flacco should be available to make one more start this weekend. There's no question that Burrow gives the Bengals offense more upside, but there could be a rust factor since he has not played since Week 2, and Cincy will also be without top wideout Ja'Marr Higgins (suspension) against New England.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Nov 21 1:10pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is trending toward playing on Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Godwin has not played since injuring his fibula in Week 5, but he was able to practice in full on Thursday and appears ready to return this weekend. The 29-year-old has only played in two games in 2025 after suffering a serious ankle dislocation in Week 7 of the 2024 season. The Bucs have already said that Godwin will have his snaps limited in his first game back after the long layoff, so we wouldn't recommend starting him in fantasy if he's active on Sunday night in a tough matchup on the road. Still, fantasy managers should have Godwin rostered in most leagues for the stretch run, as he figures to be a key target for quarterback Baker Mayfield with Mike Evans (collarbone) likely done for the year.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Nov 21 1:00pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) has been ruled out for the Week 12 game this Sunday night against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Fantasy managers will be disappointed that Irving won't be back this weekend after it seemed he had been trending towards returning for the first time since Week 4, but the good news is that the Bucs are targeting a return for Irving in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals. A report from Pewter Report suggested that Irving was "reeling a bit" after being injured for the first time in his career and missing football, but he's "feeling better and is on the road to recovery." It's anyone's guess as to how Tampa's backfield will look when Irving finally returns, but for this Sunday against the Rams, Sean Tucker figures to see more work over Rachaad White after his three-touchdown performance in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Nov 21 12:50pm ET
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (ankle) was absent from practice on Friday for the third time this week, according to ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Bateman suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 10 win over the Minnesota Vikings and did not play in last week's win over the Cleveland Browns. Without being able to practice this week, the 25-year-old will most likely be ruled out for a second straight game this weekend. Bateman's absence will once again open up more targets in the passing game against the New York Jets this Sunday for receivers Zay Flowers, DeAndre Hopkins, and Tylan Wallace. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely should also have slightly higher ceilings. Bateman had the best year of his career in 2024 with 756 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, but he's been a disappointment once again for fantasy managers in 2025 with a 16-194-2 line in nine games.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 21 12:40pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is practicing for the second straight day on Friday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Jackson was held out of practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury, but he was a full participant on Thursday and appears to be just fine for the Week 12 matchup this Sunday against the visiting New York Jets. The 28-year-old two-time MVP missed several games earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, but even before the injury, he wasn't running all that much. Jackson has only scored on the ground once so far in seven games in 2025, and that was back in Week 1. He threw four touchdowns in his return from his hamstring injury against Miami on Oct. 30, but in the last two games, he has one touchdown and two picks. Jackson should still be considered a high-end QB1 option in a prime bounce-back matchup against the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Nov 21 12:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back Josh Jacobs (knee) is "feeling pretty good" and will practice again on Friday in a limited capacity, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Jacobs suffered a knee contusion in the Week 11 win over the New York Giants on Sunday and did not return because he could not bend his knee. The 27-year-old was listed as day-to-day earlier this week before missing practice on Wednesday. However, two back-to-back limited practices on Thursday and Friday should give him a chance to suit up in Week 12 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Jacobs could end up questionable on the final injury report, but the star RB should at least have a shot to play this weekend. If he doesn't, Emanuel Wilson would be first in line for lead-back touches, with Chris Brooks backing him up.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Nov 21 12:20pm ET
Sam LaPorta

According to Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) is likely to miss the remainder of the season after successful surgery on his back. The 24-year-old was amid a rebound campaign, posting a 40/489/3 line before sustaining a back injury in their 44-22 win over the Commanders in Week 10. However, his status quickly deteriorated, and he's now facing a significant recovery. Fellow tight end Brock Wright (ankle) will operate as Detroit's TE1 in his teammate's stead, with Ross Dwelley working in behind him. Neither projects to be particularly useful for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Nov 21 12:20pm ET
Daniel Jones

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (calf) appears to be practicing again on Friday, according to Jake Arthur of Locked On Colts. Jones was added to the Week 12 injury report with a calf injury on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant. Although mid-week additions to the injury report typically are cause for alarm, ESPN's Stephen Holder reports that there isn't much cause for panic surrounding the 28-year-old signal-caller. Jones could end up being questionable on Friday's final injury report, but he at least appears to be on the right side of questionable leading up to Sunday's showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. Anthony Richardson Sr. (eye) is still on Injured Reserve, so the Colts would be forced to start rookie Riley Leonard if Jones were ruled out for Week 12. As of right now, Jones appears to be on track to play in KC on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Nov 21 12:00pm ET
Trey Benson

According to head coach Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) could suit up this weekend for the first time since picking up a meniscus injury in Week 4. "We'll see how he goes today," said Gannon. With the team's backfield at less-than-full health, Arizona could certainly use the 23-year-old back in the fold as they gear up for a home matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12. However, Gannon's sentiment doesn't seem particularly encouraging. Benson has yet to practice in a full capacity since being injured, so you'd have to think the team would like to see him do so before activating him from injured reserve. With teammate Emari Demercado (ankle) trending toward an inactive status of his own, Michael Carter and Bam Knight (ankle) project to lead the backfield again if Benson sits for another contest.

From RotoBaller

Jaxson Dart Nov 21 11:50am ET
Jaxson Dart

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart (concussion) won't suit up for this Sunday's road outing with the Detroit Lions, according to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. There was some hope that the Ole Miss product would clear concussion protocol ahead of the team's Week 12 matchup. However, he'll miss a second consecutive outing after picking up the injury a few weeks back in their loss to the Bears. With Dart out, New York figures to again turn to veteran Jameis Winston as they square off with the hosting Lions. Winston was fine in his first start since Week 15 of 2024, although his presence under center undoubtedly lowers the offense's floor in a tough matchup in a hostile environment.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Nov 21 11:30am ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) notched another practice session on Friday as he and the team prepare for a Sunday night matchup with the hosting Los Angeles Rams in Week 12. The 29-year-old logged a full practice on Thursday for the first time since Week 5 as he attempts to make his way back from a fibula injury that's caused him to miss their last five games. While Godwin's status for Friday's session wasn't detailed, another uncapped practice would presumably put him on track to suit up, barring any setbacks over the next two days. The Buccaneers may limit his snaps on Sunday, but it'd be hard to sit the veteran if he's active, considering he'd be an instant boost to the team's pass attack. We'll know more about his designation for this weekend over the coming hours.

From RotoBaller

Kimani Vidal Nov 21 11:20am ET
Kimani Vidal

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal has been up and down as the team's primary rushing option over the previous few weeks. However, LA's backfield is due for a shift with teammate Omarion Hampton (ankle) working his way back to full health. Consistency has been an issue for Vidal, posting three outings of 95 or more rushing yards that were followed up with a performance of 30 or fewer. He was a fine fill-in while the team dealt with a myriad of injuries, but is set to see his touch share drop significantly as the rookie was expected to return at some point after the Chargers' bye week. It isn't a guarantee that Hampton will play when the team lines up against the Raiders in Week 13, meaning Vidal may have another week or two where he's playable. Still, his time as a viable fantasy asset is running thin.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Nov 21 11:10am ET
Marcus Mariota

With Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) missing time due to both knee and elbow injuries, backup QB Marcus Mariota has gotten extended playing time in 2025. Across seven games (five starts) this season, the 32-year-old has completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 1,065 yards, seven touchdowns, and five interceptions. Mariota also brings some juice with his legs, rushing for 193 yards and a touchdown on 27 attempts. However, Daniels was able to avoid surgery on his dislocated left elbow, which could allow him to return to the field shortly after the Commanders' Week 12 bye. At the same time, Washington is out of the playoff mix with a 3-8 record, so the team could choose to shut Daniels down and play for 2026. Still, the Commanders will face one of the NFL's best defenses in the Denver Broncos in Week 13. Mariota does not profile as a starting fantasy QB option in Week 13, which may be his last chance to start before Daniels returns.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Nov 21 11:00am ET
Calvin Austin III

Across eight games this season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III has recorded 22 receptions for 242 yards and two touchdowns on 37 targets. It's been a struggle for the 26-year-old over in recent weeks, as he's hauled in just three catches for 19 yards on eight targets over his last two games. Perhaps most notably, Austin III saw a significant drop in playing time in the Steelers' Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Austin III played just 19 offensive snaps against Cincinnati, his lowest total in any game this season and nearly 20 fewer than fellow Steelers wideout Roman Wilson. Heading into a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears, Austin III could be fading into a depth role in Pittsburgh. He should not be trusted as a fantasy starter against Chicago.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 21 10:50am ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

Through the first eight weeks of 2025, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) was his team's RB1, recording 448 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 99 touches. However, Stevenson has missed New England's last three contests with a toe injury, opening the door for rookie back TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson has recorded 330 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 57 touches over the last three weeks. Stevenson has logged two limited practices so far this week, and his status for New England's Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals remains unclear. Even if Stevenson can return against Cincinnati, his workload may now be limited thanks to Henderson's breakout. If Stevenson is active in Week 12, he profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in a favorable matchup against Cincinnati. Should Henderson continue to perform, Stevenson's value may only continue to drop over the final weeks of the fantasy season.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Nov 21 10:40am ET
Evan Engram

Across 10 games this season, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram has recorded 32 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets. While the 31-year-old's role in the Denver offense as a short-area target has remained fairly stable for most of the 2025 season, he hasn't factored in the red zone and brings almost no explosive ability to the table at this point in his career. Despite earning at least five targets in six out of 10 contests, Engram has yet to crack 42 receiving yards in a game. Denver also has a deep cast of talented pass-catchers between wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. The Broncos have their bye week in Week 12 before a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Commanders. However, even in a favorable matchup against the struggling Washington defense, Engram will be tough to trust as a starting fantasy tight end in Week 13.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Nov 21 10:30am ET
Justin Fields

Heading into their Week 12 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the New York Jets announced that veteran Tyrod Taylor will be taking over for Justin Fields as the team's starting quarterback. The demotion is the next rough patch in what's been a rocky first season in New York for Fields. Across nine games, the 26-year-old has completed 62.7% of his pass attempts for 1,259 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. While Fields remains a threat with his legs (383 rushing yards, four touchdowns), he's averaged a career-low 6.2 yards per pass attempt while taking a sack on 11.7% of his drop-backs. Unless Taylor were to get injured, Fields is not expected to be re-inserted as the Jets' starter this season. It remains to be seen whether Fields will stay in New York for the 2026 season or if he will get another shot to be a starter elsewhere, but he's unlikely to carry fantasy value in redraft leagues for the remainder of 2025.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Nov 21 10:20am ET
Rachaad White

With Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder, foot) sidelined by injury since Week 4, fellow Bucs back Rachaad White had the first chance to assume the team's RB1 role. However, White is averaging less than four yards per rush attempt this season, and in Week 11, it appeared as though the team made a shift to running back Sean Tucker. In Tampa Bay's Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Tucker exploded for 140 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 21 touches while White recorded just 62 scrimmage yards on 12 touches. Irving will remain out for Tampa Bay's Week 12 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which means both White and Tucker will likely get their share of playing time for another week. White has been a consistent feature in the passing game, recording 20 receptions for 110 yards on 23 targets in the six games Irving has missed. Still, White should be expected to continue to lose work to Tucker in the rushing game and profiles as a low-end flex option for fantasy managers in Week 12 against Los Angeles.

From RotoBaller

Parker Washington Nov 21 9:50am ET
Parker Washington

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington has seen an increased role in the offense over the last few weeks. Primarily due to wideout Brian Thomas Jr. (ankle) being sidelined the last few games, and Travis Hunter (knee) being out for the season. Unfortunately for Washington, the Jaguars brought in Jakobi Meyers from Las Vegas, and now all of a sudden, with Thomas Jr. logging limited practices all week, Meyers ramping up, and the Jaguars identifying themselves as a run-first offense lately with Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten, the path to opportunities for Washington appears a bit fuzzier than before. Regardless, Washington has built good chemistry with Trevor Lawrence over the past month, as he has earned 28 targets over the past four games, even though he saw only two in Week 11. Washington profiles as a WR3 heading into a Week 12 matchup where the Jaguars get the Arizona Cardinals, who rank decently against wide receivers, but nothing to be frightened of. That said, if your team has wide receiver depth and needs to make a roster move for a high-cieling handcuff, or rostering someone with a solid fantasy playoff schedule, Washington is droppable in 10-12-team formats.

From RotoBaller