The season has just gotten worse for Cincinnati Bengals fans after the NFL punished Ja’Marr Chase for spitting on Jalen Ramsey. As the fourth quarter rolled around between the Steelers and Bengals, the game became very chippy, with several scuffles, including Ramsey getting ejected. It wasn’t without being provoked by Chase, as the NFL made it right by correcting the missed call.
NFL Punishes Ja’Marr Chase
Chase has been suspended for one game by the NFL, and he will not suit up against the New England Patriots. However, the Bengals star has appealed against the league’s decision, and can only play in Week 12 if he wins that appeal.
Ramsey was adamant that Chase spit on him, and the NFL agrees with Ramsey after re-evaluating the video of the incident.
Ja’Marr Chase spitting on Jalen Ramsey pic.twitter.com/hdzU9xx84o
— NFL (@nfl1517) November 17, 2025
Chase has been frustrated often in the 2025 season with the team’s struggles. They reached a breaking point against the Steelers as the Bengals’ slim playoff hopes went up in flames, and the suspension will be very costly for the star wideout.
NFL suspended Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase for spitting at Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey. Chase denied spitting at Ramsey, but the league determined the video evidence was sufficient to warrant a suspension. pic.twitter.com/ogVs66Xjeh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 17, 2025
“Ja’Marr Chase’s one-game suspension will cost him his weekly paycheck of $448,333 along with a $58,823 per game active bonus he now will be forfeiting,” wrote NFL insider Adam Schefter on X.
Chase has already decided to appeal the NFL’s decision, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
#Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase is appealing his one-game suspension from the NFL, per source. pic.twitter.com/AQDvoyjG8c
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 17, 2025
The Bengals will be hoping that Chase can win this appeal because he’s one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL. He was held in check by Ramsey and the Pittsburgh defense with only three catches for 30 yards.
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The Patriots are no slouch of an opponent, as they come into Week 12 on an eight-game winning streak. Not having Chase could prove extremely costly if he doesn’t win the appeal.
Chase is the fourth-highest ranked receiver in the league according to PFSN’s WR Impact metric and has an impact score of 86.7. He is not a player that you would want off the field unless you are the Patriots or any future opponent.
After receiving good news last week about a potential Joe Burrow return to action, Bengals fans did not want to see a loss to the Steelers and Chase suspended for the following week.
The Bengals can kiss any chances of the playoffs goodbye with a loss to the Patriots, and Chase’s potential absence made an unlikely upset even harder. Although a win doesn’t mean much for their postseason hopes, it keeps their season on life support for one more week. According to PFSN’s NFL Playoff Predictor, Cincinnati currently has just 1.9% chances of making the playoffs.
Fans will be awaiting the NFL’s decision on the appeal, but don’t be surprised if Chase is in street clothes on Sunday.
