Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) watches from the sideline between drives in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 2
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The NFL season moves into Week 3 with the Cincinnati Bengals preparing for its first AFC North matchup of 2026. Cincinnati enters the week at 2-0 after beating the Houston Texans 20-6 on the road.
Joe Burrow has played a central role in that unbeaten start. The quarterback threw two touchdown passes against Houston and helped the Bengals secure their second win of the season despite taking several hits during the game.
His health is now drawing attention again as Cincinnati begins preparations for its next matchup. Burrow dealt with back soreness during the previous practice week, although he was able to return to full participation before starting against Houston.
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Joe Burrow dealing with soreness ahead of Week 3
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Image
Head coach Zac Taylor spoke Wednesday. Burrow is dealing with soreness ahead of Week 3, but did not indicate how much he will practice today or whether the soreness is related to the back issue he dealt with last week.
Ben Baby of ESPN reported Taylor’s update, providing the latest information on Burrow’s status as Cincinnati begins its preparations for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow is dealing with soreness, coach Zac Taylor said. Didn’t indicate just how much he’ll practice today or whether the soreness is back-related.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 23, 2026
The latest development comes after Burrow entered Week 2 with back tightness. He was limited in Cincinnati’s first two practices before returning as a full participant Friday. The Bengals ultimately listed him as questionable, but Burrow started against Houston and completed 20 of 31 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns.
Burrow also absorbed significant pressure against Houston. He was sacked five times during the 20-6 victory, while Cincinnati’s offense managed 267 total yards.
Joe Burrow’s practice status remains unclear
Taylor’s comments leave his participation level for Wednesday unclear.
Burrow successfully worked through his previous back issue before Week 2.
The Bengals will have more opportunities to provide clarity as the practice week continues, with his participation likely giving a better indication of his status.