Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals are off to a 3-2 start early in the 2026 NFL season. Burrow has once again led a strong passing attack in Cincinnati, while the defense has occasionally let him down.
Through five games, the 29-year-old gunslinger has thrown for 1,361 yards, which ranks sixth in the entire NFL, adding 11 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions.
Burrow had an impressive Week 5 win against the Miami Dolphins, throwing for four touchdowns and tearing apart Miami’s secondary. One of those touchdowns went to tight end Tanner Hudson, who has been efficient in the red zone this year for the Bengals.
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Unfortunately for Burrow, Hudson is no longer going to be available for the remainder of the year. ESPN reporter Ben Baby confirmed that Hudson suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the game and likely will not return this season.
Hudson had operated as one of the players in the mix at tight end this year, serving as the fourth-string option behind Drew Sample, Mike Gesicki and Erick All Jr.
As Baby noted, he had clearly provided value as a pass-catching tight end, which was especially valuable for a Bengals offense whose receiving group was banged up this past Sunday.
His snaps will likely be absorbed by that aforementioned trio, as Hudson was getting around 20 to 25 snaps per game. He will also no longer contribute on special teams.
Burrow and the Bengals are on a bye this week but will return to action in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens. The hope is that their receiving group gets healthier during the off week before facing one of the tougher defenses in the AFC.
