Joe Burrow explains back issue ahead of Bengals vs. Texans Week 2 matchup

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws a pass in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The Browns kicked a last second field goal to win 20-18. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, 33-27. It wasn't a blowout by the final box score, but it was a strong win for Cincinnati in the first week of the season.

But now, heading into Week 2, the Bengals got a bit of a concerning update on Joe Burrow during practice on Wednesday. Burrow didn't practice, or at least in any meaningful capacity, during Wednesday's practice.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared Burrow's explanation for the missed practice, as the Bengals QB revealed he is dealing with back tightness but fully expects to play in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.

Joe Burrow explains why he missed practice, but still plans to play in Week 2

"Bengals QB Joe Burrow told reporters he is dealing with back tightness and didn't practice today," Rapoport reports. "He got plenty of mental reps and expects to play Sunday."

This back issue for Burrow is certainly one to worry about. It's only been one week, and Burrow is already not 100%. Things are about to get a lot harder as well.

Compared to the Buccaneers' defense, the Texans are bound to give Burrow more trouble. While Josh Allen tore up the Texans in Week 1, things could change in a big way in Week 2.

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A banged-up Burrow might be facing one of the best defenses in the NFL in Week 2. That's a worrying report from Rapoport on the Bengals' starting quarterback.

But Burrow revealing his expectation to play in Week 2 should help dissuade some of the concerns about the Bengals starter.

Still, this is a situation that Bengals fans are going to have to monitor, as his status heading into the second week of the season might be far from ideal.

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