Bengals Make Decision on Quarterback After Joe Burrow Update

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9)USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Bengals Make Decision on Quarterback After Joe Burrow Update

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Xavier Constantino | Last updated Sep 19, 2026 5:12 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals elevated quarterback Josh Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday, according to the team, ahead of Sunday’s Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans. The Bengals also elevated linebacker Joe Giles-Harris to the active roster.

The addition of a third quarterback comes as Joe Burrow works through back tightness in the early going. Burrow was limited in practice earlier in the week before going full go on Friday, and head coach Zac Taylor said he feels good about Burrow’s status. Taylor also described elevating Johnson as a contingency. Burrow is still listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

We have elevated LB Joe Giles-Harris and QB Josh Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster for #CINatHOU

: https://t.co/uanvXLBTnu pic.twitter.com/GjKiUKFuL1
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 19, 2026

In his first game of the season, Burrow completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards with one interception and a touchdown during a 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also rushed for 20 yards on five attempts, still mobile enough to make plays with his legs.

Joe Flacco is expected to back up Burrow in Houston, with Johnson serving as the emergency option. Johnson, 40, appeared in five games last season with the Washington Commanders and signed with Cincinnati in March.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9)USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

A league journeyman, Johnson has played for more than a dozen NFL organizations. He also spent time with the Bengals in 2013 and attended training camp with the team in 2015.

Cincinnati enters Week 2 at 1-0 and is trying to end a three-season playoff drought. Houston is coming off a Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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