Ja’Marr Chase‘s sizzling streak has helped the Bengals to back-to-back wins, however the star huge receiver is not going to be in uniform for a bit. A hip damage is predicted to sideline Chase for at the least a month, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com studies (on Twitter).
After Chase visited a hip specialist Wednesday, per Schefter, he continues to hunt enter in regards to the damage. An injured reserve keep could also be within the playing cards for the LSU product, who didn’t miss a recreation as a rookie.
Chase suffered the damage in opposition to the Saints however managed three practices — together with a full exercise Friday — main as much as the Bengals’ Week 7 recreation. He scored two extra touchdowns in opposition to the Falcons, serving to Joe Burrow to a dominant efficiency. However the Bengals might want to get by with out their prime weapon for some time.
Over the previous two weeks, Chase has mixed for 15 receptions, 262 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns. Chase’s rise since being drafted fifth total final yr has clearly been a central part within the Bengals’ ascent. His absence will put extra on the shoulders of Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Whereas the Bengals have a powerful supporting duo, these two haven’t been requested to go it alone since earlier than Chase’s NFL debut.
This information comes because the Bengals have made their approach again from 0-2, transferring right into a tie with the Ravens atop the AFC North. Cincinnati has a Week 10 bye however will face Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Tennessee over the subsequent month. With Schefter indicating this damage might sideline Chase for as much as six weeks, the Bengals could possibly be challenged at some stage in their midseason stretch. Chase nonetheless in search of solutions additionally ought to warning in opposition to setting a agency timeline right here.
Past Higgins and Boyd, the Bengals roster Trent Taylor, Mike Thomas and Stanley Morgan. Each Higgins and Boyd have posted 455 yards this season, trailing Chase’s 605. Among the many staff’s different wideouts, solely Thomas has a reception this season. Thomas has two catches for 38 yards. Taylor has performed a task up to now, and the ex-49ers slot serves because the Bengals’ main punt returner. He caught a two-point conversion in the course of the staff’s AFC championship recreation comeback final season.
