Cincinnati Bengals will have tough calls to make with their headlining position group before Week 2 game against Houston Texans
The Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive line stole the show last week, but now it is facing a couple unknowns as the week of practice has wrapped up.
The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up the week of practice heading into their Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans.
Coach Zac Taylor confirmed the statuses of a few key players, including the face of the franchise.
Joe Burrow confirmed good to go
Joe Burrow (back) was a full participant in Friday’s practice. Taylor announced Burrow is officially good to play Sunday in Houston.
Burrow was limited Wednesday and Thursday after revealing he had “back tightness” following Wednesday’s practice in which he hardly threw. Reports and clips from Thursday and Friday showed him throwing more often.
It’ll be interesting if Burrow plays a bit more conservative in Houston to protect himself more. There’s also a possibility Josh Johnson is elevated off the practice squad as the emergency third QB. For now, all systems are a go with QB1.
B.J. Hill to be game-time decision
The Bengals’ defensive line stole the show last week, but now it is facing a couple unknowns.
Defensive tackle B.J. Hill (achilles) is officially questionable as he’s dealing with soreness for his previous foot injury. It’s just been labeled as an achilles injury this week.
Hill was limited Thursday and did not practice Friday. He’s going to see how it feels when the weekend rolls around, but for now, it’s very possible he doesn’t play against the Texans.
Nose tackle T.J. Slaton should be in line for more snaps regardless of Hill’s health. Kris Jenkins Jr. would be the next 3-technique on the depth chart to take Hill’s exact role. We could also see the rookie debut of third-stringer Landon Robinson if Hill is inactive to give Cincy five interior linemen.
Shemar Stewart set to make season debut
Defensive end Shemar Stewart (knee) got the all clear from Taylor to make his 2026 debut. Stewart suffered a hyperextended knee at the beginning of training camp and missed the entirety of the preseason.
Stewart will be active, and it’s up to whether or not the staff wants more EDGEs or DTs dressing for Sunday. Cedric Johnson, who was playing for Stewart, would likely be inactive if Robinson dresses for Hill.
We’ll update this post when the Bengals and Texans release their final injury reports…
