NFL

Joe Burrow says he's dealing with back tightness, 'normal game day soreness' but will play in Week 2

September 16, 2026

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow intends to suit up for his team's Week 2 showdown against the Houston Texans, brushing off physical discomfort as ordinary post-game physical wear along with lumbar stiffness. Burrow sustained a heavy blow to his passing shoulder during the first half of Cincinnati's 33-27 opening victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an outing in which he acknowledged throwing a costly turnover.

The signal-caller missed Wednesday's synchronized team stretching period, though veteran backup Joe Flacco remains in reserve should Burrow face any physical setbacks.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor is prepping his squad for the road clash in Houston, where Cincinnati hopes to capitalize on an ailing Texans defensive unit that surrendered 36 points in an opening 36-31 defeat to Buffalo. Outside observers have also weighed in on Burrow's status, as Russell Wilson forecasted on CBS that the quarterback could depart Cincinnati if the franchise endures another challenging campaign.

Joe Burrow says he&#39;s dealing with back tightness, &#39;normal game day soreness&#39; but will play in Week 2

Joe Burrow says he's dealing with back tightness, 'normal game day soreness' but will play in Week 2