Bengals elevate Josh Johnson to active roster with Joe Burrow questionable

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow says he plans to play tomorrow against the Texans. But just in case, the Bengals have added another quarterback to the active roster.

The Bengals today elevated quarterback Josh Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster. The plan is for Burrow to start, Joe Flacco to back him up and Johnson to be available as the No. 3 quarterback.

That the Bengals elevated Johnson suggests they’re at least a little concerned that Burrow’s back injury will sideline him on Sunday. Officially, Burrow is listed as questionable.

The 40-year-old Johnson signed with the Bengals in March and didn’t make their 53-man roster but was re-signed to the practice squad after he was released. Johnson is perhaps the most well-traveled player in the history of professional football, having signed about two dozen pro contracts in the NFL and other leagues. He has shown an ability to learn offenses quickly and play adequately when called upon, but the Bengals hope they won’t need him.

The Bengals also called up linebacker Joe Giles-Harris from the practice squad to the active roster.