​Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Josh Johnson (11) drops back to throw during practice at the Paycor Stadium practice facility in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Aug. 3, 2026. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co The Cincinnati Bengals are expecting Joe Burrow to start at quarterback vs. the Houston Texans on Sunday. But just in case, the team is protecting itself in the event another quarterback needs to suit up.On Saturday, the Bengals announced the elevation of quarterback Josh Johnson and linebacker Joe Giles-Harris from the practice squad to the active roster for Week 2. Giles-Harris and Johnson are both classified as standard elevations. As practice squad players being elevated to the active roster for the game, they will automatically revert to the practice squad on Monday.On Friday, head coach Zac Taylor said that the team could elevate Johnson even though they’re expecting Burrow to play as he deals with back tightness. If Burrow were to be a surprise inactive, Joe Flacco would get the start, while Johnson would be his backup.This elevation also means it’s possible that Johnson will be designated the emergency third QB for Sunday’s game. The designated emergency QB can only enter the game if the first two active quarterbacks are injured, ejected, or undergoing an injury evaluation.Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.