Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks to hand off in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason game between the
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Cincinnati Bengals fans got great news on star quarterback Joe Burrow before Sunday’s NFL game against the Houston Texans.
Burrow, who has been dealing with back tightness, is officially active after he was listed as questionable going into the game. He will start as the Bengals try to get to 2-0.
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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave, Baltimore Ravens pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan are also active for the 1 p.m. ET games, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
However, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is inactive again, meaning Cooper Rush will make his second start in a row. Michael Penix Jr. has been practicing, but still isn’t ready to return.
🏈Joe Burrow – Active
🏈Tua Tagovailoa – Inactive
🏈Chris Olave – Active
🏈Jalen McMillan – Active
🏈Trey Hendrickson – Active
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2026
Burrow helped the Bengals beat the Buccaneers last week, throwing for 254 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He’ll face a Texans team coming off a 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Olave was on another level against the Detroit Lions last week, finishing with 10 receptions for 182 yards. Yes, the Saints lost a heartbreaker in overtime, but he played well. He’ll be a top weapon against the Ravens on Sunday in Baltimore.
McMillan is ready to go after missing Week 1 with a knee injury. Sunday will be his season debut.
Hendrickson was questionable with a broken finger, but will play with a cast on his hand.