Bengals' Joe Burrow Says It's 'Ridiculous' to Think He'll Miss Texans Game with Back Tightness

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow left no doubt as to his status for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans as he's experiencing some back tightness.

Burrow told reporters it would be "ridiculous" to assume he won't suit up.

The Bengals deviated from their usual script a bit in their 33-27 Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Defense carried the day as Cincy held the Bucs to 282 yards and forced four turnovers. Burrow, meanwhile, was solid without lighting it up. He went 25-of-35 for 254 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

The collective performance was an encouraging sign after the front office invested heavily in overhauling its defense. The unit has to show improvement compared to recent years in order to end the Bengals' playoff drought.

Things won't get any easier in Week 2 with a road trip to Houston on tap.

C.J. Stroud threw for 274 yards and two touchdowns while David Montgomery and Woody Marks combined for 102 yards on the ground in a 36-31 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Maybe the Cincinnati defense will have more success in limiting Stroud's effectiveness. In the event that doesn't happen, a lot will be thrust onto Burrow's shoulders in what has been a familiar refrain with this team.

Needless to say, the Bengals will be in trouble if his back issue is serious enough to sideline him.