During the game, on third-and-1 at the Browns’ 30-yard line coming out of the two-minute warning in the second quarter, the Bengals sent Flacco for the single play. He successfully converted for a first down, drawing cheers from the crowd as the veteran risked a high-stakes moment in a crucial situation.
Flacco later reflected on the moment, noting that he knew the team might ask him to run the sneak and that his job in that instance was to execute the snap cleanly and pick up the first down. He also shared his mixed feelings after the play, describing the reaction from fans as a bit awkward. He joked that, from a distance, it might look ridiculous to be cheered for a quarterback sneak, though he acknowledged the moment was part of his role at that point in his career.
That season began with Flacco as the Browns’ starter before a midseason trade to Cincinnati. He stepped in for Burrow after Burrow sustained turf toe, delivering solid numbers across six starts: 1,636 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 4 interceptions, before Burrow returned in Week 13.
Heading into the 2026 season, Burrow is set to start for the Bengals, with Flacco remaining a veteran presence in the quarterback room. He re-signed with the team on a one-year deal worth $6 million, continuing in a backup role behind Burrow. Whether the Bengals will again turn to Flacco for a quarterback sneak in 2026 remains to be seen.
