Follow us on Google Discover Cincinnati Bengals fanbase jumped to the defense of Joe Burrow amid an injury scare.
The Cincinnati Bengals walked away with a 33-27 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 1 of the 2026-27 NFL season.
Star quarterback Joe Burrow had a solid game as he finished the night with 254 passing yards and threw a touchdown as well.
Following a strong opening night, fans expect to see more of the same from Burrow in the coming weeks, but it seems that the star QB’s health may become a concern for the Bengals against the Houston Texans.
Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty ImagesCincinnati Bengals fans accuse ESPN reporter of manipulating Joe Burrow’s answer
Ahead of the Bengals vs. Texans matchup, ESPN reporter Ben Baby gave a concerning update on Burrow’s back injury.
Despite dealing with back tightness, Burrow brushed off the idea of not playing as ‘ridiculous,’ according to Baby.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow said he’s dealing with some back tightness. Practice schedule is uncertain for this week but he’s playing vs. Houston.
The idea of not playing?
“That’s ridiculous.”
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 16, 2026
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Upon seeing this post from the ESPN reporter, Bengals fans were left fuming as they called him out on X.
“Horrible question. Trying so hard to pull a headline from these guys,” one fan wrote. While another added, “That question was ridiculous.”
“Why do you guys have to feel the need to report such a non-story?” a third fan asked.
“You’re a joke of a reporter, asking a guy who has rushed back through career-threatening injuries if he doesn’t want to play because of back tightness,” a furious fan pointed out.
“Gotta be the worst reporter in existence,” another angry Bengals fan announced.
Considering Burrow recovered from an ACL/MCL tear in 2020 and a torn ligament in his throwing arm, missing a game due to back tightness indeed sounds ‘ridiculous.’
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