The Cincinnati Bengals have had the definition of an up-and-down season in 2023. They’ve been good and bad and struggled with many injuries, including one to starting quarterback Joe Burrow.
However, their poor injury luck didn’t end there. Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has suffered one, too, and won’t play in Week 16. What is his injury timeline?
Ja’Marr Chase Injury Timeline
Chase suffered his injury in the Bengals’ Saturday afternoon win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15. Late in the game, he suffered a separated shoulder, which left him day-to-day heading into Week 16. However, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor officially ruled him out.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the situation is moderate. “This seems to be more of a moderate separation,” said Rapoport. “Likely misses this week, potentially misses next week, then after that gets into the realm of ‘should be able to go.’”
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If Chase was to miss Week 17 on top of Week 16, he would miss the Bengals’ games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. It would have him returning for the Bengals’ season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Heading into Week 16, the Bengals are 8-6 and hold the sixth seed in the AFC playoff standings. If they win out, they are in, but there is minimal room for error. They share the same record as five other AFC teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills.
The injury suffered by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow earlier this season was a torn ligament in his right wrist. He was replaced by Jake Browning, who has played well in his place. Browning has passed for 1,248 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions in six games and four starts. The Bengals are 3-1 when he starts.
During the time he misses, it is likely Chase will be replaced by Trenton Irwin, Charlie Jones, and Andrei Iosivas. His production will also be replaced by fellow starters Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins.
In 14 games this season, Chase has caught 93 passes for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns. In his career, which started in 2022, Chase has caught 261 passes for 3,657 yards and 29 touchdowns.
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