Joe Burrow returns to action as Joe Flacco reflects on Bengals QB saga in Netflix's 'Quarterback'

Joe Burrow made his long-awaited return to the Cincinnati Bengals' lineup on **14 November 2025**, just in time for a short week before a Thanksgiving Thursday Night Football clash with the Baltimore Ravens. The moment was captured in Netflix's *Quarterback* Season 3, Episode 6, which aired on **14 July 2026** and featured Joe Flacco's reflections on his injury-plagued season and the transition back to the bench.

What happened to Joe Flacco in 2025?

Flacco, then 40, suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 8 against the New York Jets. The injury didn't sideline him immediately, but a Week 11 hit from T.J. Watt reaggravated the shoulder during a 15-yard penalty play. Flacco stayed in the game despite visible discomfort, telling the camera, **“He knew what he was doing.”** The veteran admitted the Steelers' defense exploited the opening, but he pushed through to help keep Cincinnati's playoff hopes alive.

How Joe Burrow's return shaped the season

With Flacco's future in Cincinnati uncertain, the Bengals faced a tight turnaround before hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night. Flacco started in Week 12 against the New England Patriots, delivering a final start before Burrow stepped back into the lineup. Zac Taylor, the Bengals' head coach, praised Flacco's professionalism, calling his transition to backup a **test of his character**.

The episode titled **“Toughness Is a Choice”** zeroed in on Flacco's mindset. He played through pain, never making excuses, and even used his return to Baltimore as motivation. **“You're not always in charge of how things go,”** Flacco said, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of an NFL career.

Why this matters for Joe Burrow's 2025 campaign

Burrow's return marked a turning point for a Bengals team fighting for playoff positioning. Flacco's leadership in the locker room and on the field gave Cincinnati a veteran safety net during the transition. The episode underscored the Bengals' depth chart dynamics, with Burrow reclaiming the starting role after Flacco's gritty stretch.

Taylor's comments highlighted the organization's trust in both quarterbacks. **“He did what he set out to do,”** the coach said, emphasizing Flacco's role in keeping the team competitive while Burrow recovered. The Bengals' ability to navigate the QB carousel became a storyline in itself.

What comes next for the Bengals?

The Bengals entered the final stretch of the 2025 regular season with Burrow back under center. Flacco's future in Cincinnati remained unclear, but his contributions-both on and off the field-left a mark. The *Quarterback* series captured the human side of the NFL, where careers intersect and transitions define legacies.

For Burrow, the focus shifts to leading Cincinnati into the postseason. Flacco's journey, meanwhile, serves as a reminder of the resilience required in a league that chews up careers without warning.