Joe Burrow officially active for Bengals vs. Texans despite back scare

The Bengals will have their franchise quarterback after all. Joe Burrow, listed as questionable because of a back issue, is officially active for Cincinnati's game against the Texans.

Burrow had been expected to start all week — coach Zac Taylor said as much Friday and the club elevated Josh Johnson from the practice squad as insurance — but the back injury kept the door open until game-day confirmation.

Burrow's own read on the situation could not have been more dismissive: he texted Jay Glazer that the talk about his back has been "blown completely out of proportion," adding he's "totally good." That checks with the Bengals' decision, which spares the offense from facing Houston's ferocious front without its leader. With Burrow under center, Cincinnati gets its full passing game against a Texans defense that will try to make life uncomfortable anyway. Trey Hendrickson's status was also part of the day's active list, keeping a key edge rusher on the field.