The Cincinnati Bengals released their Week 2 inactive list on Wednesday, naming backup quarterback Josh Johnson, wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams, cornerback Josh Newton, center Connor Lew, offensive tackle Myles Hinton, defensive tackle B.J. Hill, and defensive tackle Landon Robinson as unavailable for the upcoming matchup in Houston.
Texans announce their own absentees
Houston’s Texans responded with a longer list, sidelining tight end Brevin Jordan, wide receiver Nico Collins, linebacker Jake Hummel, cornerback Collin Wright, guard Ed Ingram, tackle Nate Thomas, defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, and two additional players. The Texans will rely on remaining receivers Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte and tight end Dalton Schultz to fill the void.
Quarterback health remains a talking point
Quarterback Joe Burrow entered the week with a sore back but dismissed concerns, calling the notion that he might sit “ridiculous.” In his press conference, Burrow said, “I feel good. Normal game‑day soreness, that’s for sure, but I’ll be alright.” He is eager to build on his 71.4% completion rate (25‑for‑35) and 254‑yard passing effort from the season‑opening win over the Buccaneers.
Ja’Marr Chase looks to rebound
Wide‑out star Ja’Marr Chase posted modest numbers in Week 1 – four targets, two receptions for 12 yards – a far cry from his usual production. Head coach Zac Taylor admitted the first half was “strange” and took responsibility for not getting the playmaker more involved, saying there is “no excuse” for limiting his touches. Taylor promised to find ways to get Chase the ball in all phases of the game.
Texans’ receiving corps under pressure
Houston’s receiving unit faces additional challenges. Wide receiver Nico Collins was listed as a limited participant in practice after a hamstring issue, which ESPN’s Adam Schefter described as “serious enough to jeopardize his Sunday status.” Collins, a three‑time 1,000‑yard receiver and two‑time Pro Bowler, still led the Texans in the loss to Buffalo with seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown. If he cannot play, the Texans will look to Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte and tight end Dalton Schultz to keep the passing attack alive.
Key match‑up details
The game is slated to kick off at 1 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium. Cincinnati will count on its elite edge rushers, while Houston will lean on the pass‑rushing talents of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter to pressure Burrow. Both teams are eager to secure a second win of the 2026 season.
Fans in Houston can expect a competitive contest as the Bengals aim to extend their early‑season momentum and the Texans look to bounce back from a 36‑31 shootout loss to the Bills.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
