The Cincinnati Bengals could be without their top two wide receivers Sunday against Houston as Ja’Marr Chase (back) and Tee Higgins (hamstring) have yet to log a full practice this week.
Higgins’ situation sounds more dire, but Chase isn’t exactly free and clear.
Chase said after practice Thursday that he’s planning on playing. But he also said the other way to make his back feel better is to rest.
How Many Starters Could the Bengals Be Missing Sunday?
On a play in Sunday night’s 24-18 win against Buffalo, Chase landed hard on his back. It came midway through the third quarter when he was running a deep route, and quarterback Joe Burrow underthrew the pass.
To stop his momentum, Chase leapt to try to catch the pass and collided with a Buffalo defensive back. The contact led to Chase’s legs going out from under him, and he landed on the turf on his back without bracing the fall in any manner.
Chase finished the game, but he admitted he was really sore Monday. An MRI revealed it was just a back bruise, and on Thursday, he said he was feeling better than the day before and that he ran routes on air during practice.
He was listed as a limited participant.
“Way better than Monday,” Chase said when asked how he feels. “I’ve got a lot more movement.”
Asked about playing, he sounded intent on doing so.
“I just have to be there for my teammates right now, and if I can go, I’m gonna go,” Chase said. “In my head, I’m playing. So until further notice, we’ll see.”
Since Chase arrived in 2021, the Bengals have never played a game without both him and Higgins.
If that is the case Sunday against Houston, look for veteran Trenton Irwin and rookie Andrei Iosivas to have expanded roles. Rookie Charlie Jones could factor into things as well. He was activated off injured reserve this week after missing five games due to thumb surgery.
Jones’ primary role when healthy has been as the punt returner, but the main reason Cincinnati drafted him in the fourth round was to be the heir apparent to Tyler Boyd as the slot receiver, so don’t be surprised to see him involved on offense if the Bengals are light at receiver.
Also of concern is the absence of defensive end Sam Hubbard due to an ankle injury. Hubbard has yet to practice this week, and it will be interesting to see who gets the starting nod if he can’t play.
First-round pick Myles Murphy has been showing steady progress in limited reps, while veteran Cam Sample has impressed the coaches at every turn, even though he is more of a hybrid inside/outside guy.
Last year at this time, it would have been Joseph Ossai, but the 2021 third-round pick has struggled to earn playing time this season.
Higgins and Hubbard were the only two players who did not practice today.
In addition to Chase, backup defensive tackle Josh Tupou (shoulder) was upgraded to limited after missing last week’s game, and linebacker/special teams maven Akeem Davis-Gaither (knee) was limited for the second day in a row.
Davis-Gaither missed four games with a knee injury before returning to action against Buffalo.
Cornerback and special teamer Jalen Davis was upgraded from limited Wednesday to full participation today.
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