Football fans are buzzing about Thursday night’s unprecedented matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers and the Cincinnati Bengals’ 40-year-old Joe Flacco, marking only the third time in NFL history that two starting quarterbacks over 40 will square off. This game carries immense weight for both teams, with the Steelers looking to cement their division lead and the Burrow-less Bengals fighting to reignite their season.
CINCINNATI — A truly historic matchup is set for Thursday night in the NFL, as two starting quarterbacks at least 40 years of age will square off for only the third time in league history. The Pittsburgh Steelers, led by 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, will visit the Cincinnati Bengals, now quarterbacked by 40-year-old Joe Flacco. This rare event has the football world buzzing, offering a compelling narrative of veteran leadership and unexpected turns.
A Look Back at NFL’s Elite Ageless Quarterbacks
The NFL has seen only two previous instances of this specific type of veteran quarterback duel. Both occurred in the 2020 season, featuring two legendary signal-callers. Drew Brees, then 41 and with the New Orleans Saints, twice emerged victorious against Tom Brady, then 43 and with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This historical context underscores the rarity and significance of the upcoming Rodgers-Flacco clash.
As confirmed by ESPN, these past matchups highlight a unique chapter in NFL lore, a testament to the longevity and sustained excellence required to perform at the highest level into one’s fifth decade.
Flacco’s Whirlwind Journey to Cincinnati
Joe Flacco’s path to this historic start has been anything but conventional. He was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Cincinnati Bengals on October 7, just days before making his Bengals debut last week. Flacco had made four starts for the Browns before being benched in Week 5, making his rapid transition to a division rival all the more intriguing.
Speaking about the upcoming game, Flacco joked on Tuesday, “It’s one thing (the media) can’t talk about this week in terms of me being older, at least, but it’s pretty neat. Aaron’s been in the league a few years longer than me, but we both started playing in 2008, so doing it for a long time. It’s pretty cool.”
His debut with the Bengals, a 27-18 setback against Green Bay, showed flashes of promise despite the loss. Flacco completed 29 of 45 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns without any turnovers, with both scores notably coming on fourth down. After a slow start with only four first downs in the first half, Flacco orchestrated a season-high 17-play scoring drive in the third quarter, helping the offense find a consistent rhythm over the final two quarters.
Even Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged Flacco’s quick adaptation, directing some playful sarcasm at Cleveland general manager Andrew Berry for trading the veteran quarterback to a “hurting” division rival. Tomlin expressed confidence in Flacco’s potential for improvement, stating, “It’s reasonable to expect him to be significantly better in Week 2. He’s been in the stadium with them. They’ve been in the stadium with him. They understand his demeanor, how he deals with circumstances. I would imagine they worked hard a week ago on developing timing and cohesion.”
Rodgers Leads Surging Steelers
On the other side of the field, Aaron Rodgers continues his strong early-season performance with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coming off a dominant 23-9 home victory over Cleveland, Rodgers has the Steelers in a prime position to pull away in the division. In that win, Rodgers completed 21 of 30 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns, once again playing turnover-free football.
The Steelers’ strong start is reflected in their 4-1 record and their historical dominance in Cincinnati, where they have won three straight meetings since 2022. Overall, the Steelers have won 12 of their last 15 matchups against the Bengals in Cincinnati, with their only recent setbacks coming in 2013, 2020, and 2021.
For detailed team statistics and standings, fans can refer to the official NFL.com team pages.
Bengals’ Desperation and Injury Concerns
The Bengals (2-4) are desperate for a win to kickstart their season after enduring four straight losses. This Thursday night game marks the beginning of a crucial three-game homestand they hope will turn their fortunes around. The team has been without star quarterback Joe Burrow since his left big toe surgery after just two games, leaving a significant void. They have been winless in three starts by Jake Browning and Flacco’s recent debut.
Adding to their challenges, the Bengals are navigating several key injuries:
- Trey Hendrickson (leading pass rusher) suffered a back contusion and a hip issue, exiting the Green Bay game in the first half and missing practice on Monday and Tuesday. His status is a major concern for Cincinnati’s defense.
- Rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick in April, is expected to return after missing four games with an ankle injury. Defensive coordinator Al Golden confirmed Stewart has practiced both days this week, providing a much-needed boost to the pass rush.
- Tight ends Mike Gesicki (pectoral) and Tanner Hudson (concussion) both missed practice on Tuesday and could be sidelined for the game, impacting Flacco’s receiving options.
Steelers’ Injury Report
The Steelers are not without their own injury concerns. Safety and special teams captain Miles Killebrew suffered a “significant” knee injury against Cleveland. Coach Tomlin has ruled Killebrew out for Thursday’s game, a notable loss for Pittsburgh’s special teams unit and defensive depth.
The Stakes Are High for Both Teams
Beyond the historical significance of the quarterback matchup, this game carries immense implications for both franchises. For the Steelers, a road win in Cincinnati would further solidify their lead in the division and build momentum. For the struggling Bengals, a victory on their home turf could be the catalyst they desperately need to salvage their season and ignite a comeback, especially crucial during this pivotal three-game homestand without their franchise quarterback.
The blend of veteran experience, high stakes, and injury battles sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling Thursday Night Football showdown. Fans will be watching closely to see which 40-plus quarterback can lead their team to victory in this unique “game for the ages.”
