Bengals' Joe Burrow says he's dealing with back tightness, 'normal game day soreness' but will play in Week 2

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has proven to be an MVP-caliber talent, but only in the seasons in which he's been able to stay on the field. Over his career, Burrow has missed significant time with knee, wrist and foot injuries.

So the alarm bells were raised Wednesday, when Burrow didn't do much throwing during the open portion of Bengals' practice. But Burrow calmed fears after practice, saying he's dealing with back tightness and "normal game day soreness." He then made it clear that he'll play against the Houston Texans in Week 2.

Burrow went so far as to say it was "ridiculous" to suggest he wouldn't take the field Sunday.

Burrow, however, would not commit to how much he would take part in practices the rest of the week.

It's unclear exactly when Burrow sustained the injury, though he did take a big hit near his throwing shoulder on a scramble at the end of the first half Sunday.

Burrow said Wednesday he couldn't think of a particular play in which he sustained his injury. He said he felt his back tightness after Sunday's game and was comfortable with taking a big hit on a scramble late in the second quarter because it kept the team's drive alive.

Burrow did not miss any snaps after that play, and completed 11-of-15 passes for 121 yards in the second half of the Bengals' 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. Burrow also threw a pick-6 in the second half, though did not appear limited as the Bengals closed out the win.

He finished the contest 25 of 35, with 254 passing yards. He threw one touchdown and one interception in the victory.

Given his injury history — Burrow missed six games as a rookie after tearing his ACL, missed six games with a wrist injury in 2023 and was limited to just eight games last season with a foot injury — the fact that Burrow is already dealing with an ailment should be a cause for concern among fans.

In the three seasons in which Burrow has played every game, he's won two Comeback Player of the Year awards, made two Pro Bowls and finished fourth in the MVP voting twice.

While it's concerning that Burrow is already battling an ailment, his back tightness doesn't sound too serious. The Texans' defense should provide a significant challenge to Burrow and the rest of the Bengals' offense in Week 2, so it's in his best interest to get his body right before taking the field Sunday.