Who Should I Start? Joe Flacco or Taylor Heinicke

Thursday, November 20, 5:01 PM

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (shoulder) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day on Thursday as he battles a right shoulder issue, per Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. It's worth noting that Flacco has been playing through the shoulder injury for multiple weeks, so his status for Week 12 against the New England Patriots may not ultimately be in question. However, star Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) logged his second straight full practice on Thursday as he nears a return from the toe injury that has had him on Injured Reserve since Week 2. If Burrow is cleared to play in Week 12, that would obviously send Flacco to the bench regardless of the status of his shoulder. Flacco has largely been effective in his starts for the Bengals this season, but he struggled in Week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Burrow remains sidelined and Flacco is pressed into action for another game, he profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in Week 12.

Tuesday, August 26, 8:05 PM

The Los Angeles Chargers have released quarterback Taylor Heinicke, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Heinicke was outplayed in the preseason by Trey Lance, who has made the team and will serve as the backup to Justin Herbert in Los Angeles. The 32-year-old Heinicke has played seven seasons in the NFL and made 29 starts. He's been a capable backup for stretches of his career and should be able to find a new home rather quickly. For fantasy purposes, a Herbert injury would now make Lance a priority waiver-wire addition due to his dual-threat ability at the quarterback position.