​Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 13, 2026.Credit: AP Photo/Joshua A. BickelNEED TO KNOWJoe Burrow dismissed the idea of sitting out the next game despite dealing with ongoing back sorenessThe Bengals quarterback has a history of playing through injuries, including a strained calf and appendicitis“If I’m not getting surgery, I’ll be out there,” Burrow saidJoe Burrow is ready to go.The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback, 29, dismissed the idea of sitting out the next game, despite dealing with back tightness after the team’s season-opening win against the Buccaneers.Burrow, who was limited in practice on Wednesday, Sept. 16, was then asked by a reporter in a post-practice press conference if he would rest.“Is there any part of you that doesn’t want to play on Sunday out of precaution?” the reporter asked.Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball during the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium on Sept. 13, 2026.Credit: Michael Hickey/GettyWithout hesitation, Burrow responded, “No.”“That’s ridiculous,” the QB continued. “I think every game is so important to me. I’m going to do what it takes to be out there.”He then quipped: “If I’m not getting surgery, I’ll be out there.”Burrow completed 25 of 35 passes for 254 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Bengals’ 33-27 Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on after 33-27 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium on Sept. 13, 2026.Credit: Jeff Dean/GettyThe Bengals quarterback said he started to feel soreness in the hours following the game; however, he isn’t exactly sure when he sustained the injury, per ESPN. While he was sacked just once, he took a significant hit while scrambling for a first down. The play kept the drive alive and ultimately led to a touchdown pass.When looking back on his decision, Burrow was content with the result.“I was comfortable with it,” he said. “It was either that or kick a field goal. It’s a decision that I made.”Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals performs during the Cincinnati Bengals training camp on July 29, 2026.Credit: Andy Lyons/GettyThe two-time MVP finalist has dealt with several injuries throughout his seven-year career.Last season, Burrow suffered a severe turf toe injury in Week 2. After undergoing surgery and taking nine games to recover, he returned to action in late November and started the final six games of the season. It was the third time he had been placed on injured reserve.Burrow is no stranger to playing through injuries.In 2022, the Bengals QB didn’t miss any games despite undergoing an emergency appendectomy at the beginning of training camp that left him briefly hospitalized. The next year, he didn’t skip any snaps despite dealing with a strained calf in preseaso