CINCINNATI (AP) — Joe Burrow was listed as a limited participant during Wednesday’s Cincinnati Bengals’ practice because of back tightness.

The franchise quarterback said after practice that the soreness shouldn’t impact him from playing Sunday at Houston.

“Some normal game day soreness, that’s for sure. But I’ll be alright,” he said.

Burrow said he got plenty of mental reps, which also might be the plan for Thursday and Friday.

Burrow completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards with a touchdown and an interception in last Sunday’s 33-27 victory over Tampa Bay. He couldn’t point to a specific play where he think the injury occurred.

Joe Burrow limited at Bengals practice with back tightness, expects to play at Houston | iNFOnews.ca — Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) slides as he is chased by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Tykee Smith (23) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

“I didn’t really start feeling it till after the game. That’s typically how it happens,” he said.

Keeping Burrow healthy is paramount to the Bengals’ chances of making the postseason for the first time since 2022. Cincinnati started 2-0 last season, but dropped eight of nine after Burrow had a turf toe injury in its Week 2 win over Jacksonville.

Defensive tackle BJ Hill got a rest day and did not practice and defensive end Shemar Stewart was full go after being inactive last week because of a knee injury.

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