Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) yells out instructions to his teammates during home opener against the Tampa Bay
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) yells out instructions to his teammates during home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium on September 13, 2026. The Bengals beat the Buccaneers 27-33. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
You could hear a collective “uh oh” from Cincinnati Bengals fans and the entire NFL world after it was revealed quarterback Joe Burrow was dealing with an injury this week.
It all started with reports from practice on Wednesday that Burrow looked limited, and it turned out to be the case after Burrow was added to the team’s injury report that day.
Burrow went on to log two limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before turning in a full session on Friday and drawing a questionable tag.
Here’s the latest on his status for Week 2 against the Houston Texans.
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Is Joe Burrow playing today?
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
Sep 13, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) reacts after the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Yes, Burrow is expected to play today.
There was some concern about Burrow after the Bengals elevated Josh Johnson from the practice squad over the weekend.
However, head coach Zac Taylor said Burrow would play on Friday, and The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero confirmed as much on Sunday morning with his report.
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“Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who is listed as questionable, is expected to start against the Texans, as coach Zac Taylor said Friday,” Pelissero wrote.
“Burrow is listed as questionable and the team elevated Josh Johnson from the practice squad. But barring a setback, Burrow should be good to go,” Pelissero added.
This is obviously massive news for the Bengals, who would have had one heck of a time trying to beat the Texans and their elite defense without Burrow.
Joe Burrow fantasy football advice
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) heads for the locker room after the fourth quarter of the NFL Preseason game
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9). Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Burrow didn’t have the best showing last week, with the Bengals signal-caller throwing for 254 yards and one touchdown to one pick while adding 20 rushing yards.
This is not an ideal matchup against the Texans. Granted, Houston got lit up by Josh Allen last week, but one game against an elite quarterback is not enough to change our mind that the Texans’ defense is very, very good.
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The fact of the matter is, Burrow is a QB1 play, and has been for years. You just don’t sit a player of his caliber, regardless of matchup.
We would, however, temper expectations.
Verdict: Start