Last year, the Bengals’ defense was bad enough to get coordinator Lou Anarumo fired. This year, the Bengals’ defense is making last year’s version look like the 1985 Bears.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) is planning to start on Sunday versus the Bears, barring something unforeseen with his AC joint sprain in his right shoulder, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday.

Trey Hendrickson is listed as doubtful on the Bengals' final injury report leading up to the game against Chicago on Sunday. He is recovering from a hip injury that sidelined him two weeks ago against Pittsburgh (and was re-injured against the Jets last week).

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco addresses the media ahead of his team's Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears at Paycor Stadium.

The Cincinnati Bengals listed NFL trade deadline question marks Trey Hendrickson and Logan Wilson as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears . Quarterback Joe Flacco officially has a questionable tag.

The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly aren't interested in trading star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, but one contender could be interested if they change their plans.

Flacco has completed 64.3% of his passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns in three starts with the Bengals. Cincinnati sent a 2026 fifth round pick to the Browns in exchange for Flacco and a 2026 sixth round pick. That trade has given Cincinnati renewed hope that they can turn their season around with Joe Burrow sidelined.

Many teams, including the Rams, 49ers, Lions, Colts and Eagles, have called the Bengals on numerous players, including LB Logan Wilson, CB Cam Taylor-Britt and, of course, DE Trey Hendrickson. For now, some teams don’t believe Cincinnati has any real interest in moving its core pieces.