Joe Burrow limited at Bengals practice with back tightness, expects to play at Houston

Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals' franchise quarterback, was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice due to back tightness. Following practice, Burrow stated that the soreness should not affect his performance in Sunday's game against Houston. He explained that the discomfort was normal game day soreness, but assured that he would be fine.

Burrow participated in ample mental preparation, which may also be the approach for Thursday and Friday practices. The quarterback completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards, including a touchdown and an interception in last Sunday's 33-27 victory over Tampa Bay. Burrow could not pinpoint a specific play that led to his injury, noting that it typically manifests after the game.

Keeping Burrow healthy is crucial for the Bengals' chances of making the postseason for the first time since 2022. Cincinnati started the previous season with a 2-0 record but lost eight of their next nine games after Burrow sustained a turf toe injury in their Week 2 win over Jacksonville. Defensive tackle BJ Hill took a rest day and did not practice, while defensive end Shemar Stewart was fully active following an absence last week due to a knee injury.