The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to turn things around after a quiet season opener in Week 1. Star quarterback Joe Burrow revealed that he wants to get Ja'Marr Chase’s major involvement after the star wide receiver had limited action in the team's 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the Bengals preparing to face the Houston Texans, Burrow made it clear that his top target will remain a major part of the offensive game plan.

“He was excited for the win. You know if we lost, it probably would have been different because he feels like, you know, he would have helped us win that game if had we lost. But you know, if we win, he's as happy as everybody else,” Burrow said.

“We got to get him involved. That sentiment was echoed from a lot of different fronts after the game and can't come out of a game like that and have Jamar Chase touch the ball two times. So that certainly be an emphasis.”

“We’ve gotta get (Ja’Marr) involved.”

Joe Burrow said there will be an emphasis on getting the ball to Ja’Marr Chase, after his 2-catch day in the Week 1 win.#Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/BecsZ8ZBKN

— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) September 16, 2026

Cincinnati now travels to Houston for a difficult matchup against a Texans defense led by head coach DeMeco Ryans. The Bengals will need strong pass protection and quick decisions from Burrow to give their receivers enough time to work against Houston's defensive pressure.

Burrow also appeared on the injury report during the week with a back issue and was listed as a limited participant in practice. However, he indicated that the injury would not prevent him from playing on Sunday.

The Week 2 matchup could provide an early opportunity for Burrow and Chase to find their rhythm. Defenses are likely to continue giving Chase additional attention, forcing Cincinnati to find creative ways to get its best playmaker the football without making the offense predictable.

The Bengals play the Texans on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.