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Joe Burrow Limited in Practice for Back Tightness but Expects to Play at Houston

The Bengals are monitoring his workload because his injury history and Houston’s strong pass rush mean his availability could decide Sunday’s outcome.

Overview

  • Burrow reported back tightness after Cincinnati’s Week 1 win and was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday practice, saying the soreness began after the game and felt like normal postgame tightness.
  • The quarterback told reporters he expects to play on Sunday and dismissed sitting out as a precaution, saying he will play unless he needs surgery.
  • Bengals staff used mental reps and limited on-field work for Burrow on Wednesday and then increased his participation in Thursday’s practice, with teammates saying he "looked good."
  • Analysts and reporters warn the situation bears watching because Burrow has missed significant time for past injuries and the Texans bring an elite pass rush that could aggravate a back issue.
  • If Burrow is unavailable the Bengals would turn to veteran backup Joe Flacco, and Cincinnati will publish daily injury reports with a final game-status designation and the inactive list 90 minutes before kickoff.