The Cincinnati Bengals have more than two weeks before their regular season opener, but Ja’Marr Chase suddenly has an injury worth monitoring.
Chase left Tuesday’s practice after suffering a knee injury and hobbled off the field under his own power. Chase provided an update on the injury shortly after.
What Happened to Ja’Marr Chase?
The injury occurred during Cincinnati’s Tuesday practice as the Bengals prepared for Friday’s preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
An initial report from Underdog NFL, citing WLWT’s Charlie Clifford, said Chase injured his knee and left practice while favoring the leg. The fact that it seemed to be a non-contact injury was concerning, but he walked off without a cart.
Ja’Marr Chase is hurt. #Bengals pic.twitter.com/k04E1olC50
— Yanni Tragellis (@yannitragellis) August 25, 2026
According to Bengals reporter Kelsey Conway, Chase provided an update during a radio interview shortly after, confirming that he’s “good” and that he just suffered a little “hyperextension.” In fact, he added that “he could have kept going if he needed.”
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It remains to be seen if Chase will be sidelined for any time, but Bengals fans can breathe a sigh of relief given his update.
Cincinnati’s Monday report noted multiple competitive reps between Chase and cornerback DJ Turner II, including an 18-yard completion from Joe Burrow.
Will Ja’Marr Chase Play in Week 1?
It is simply too early to know, but the fact that Chase said he could’ve returned to practice and doesn’t seem concerned is a great sign.
Cincinnati does have time working in its favor. The Bengals open the regular season Sept. 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 19 days after Chase left Tuesday’s practice. His participation over the next several practices will provide a much clearer indication of his Week 1 outlook.
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Chase remains Cincinnati’s most important offensive player outside of Burrow. He caught 125 passes for 1,412 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2025 despite Burrow missing significant time.
His 86.5 WR Impact Score ranked fifth among NFL wide receivers. PFN’s Top 100 also ranked Chase as the No. 9 player in the league entering 2026.
If Chase were forced to miss time, Tee Higgins would become Cincinnati’s clear top receiving option. Andrei Iosivas would take on additional work, while Mitch Tinsley, Charlie Jones, and a competitive group of younger receivers would move closer to meaningful offensive snaps.
There is no reason yet to assume Cincinnati will need that contingency plan in Week 1.
