Bengals coach on Ja’Marr Chase: ‘We’ll see as the week goes’

Thanks in large part to former Washington Huskies quarterback Jake Browning, the Cincinnati Bengals have already won three straight games.

When Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending injury, many speculated that Cincinnati would be doomed, but Browning emerged as a fan favourite and is 3-1 in his first four games. He has victories over the Jaguars, Colts, and Vikings, three teams that this season may make the playoffs. Bengals QB Joe Burrow becomes NFL's highest-paid player with $275 million deal, AP source says | The Seattle Times

Nevertheless, with the Steelers and Chiefs scheduled, it might be harder said than done for the Bengals to make the postseason even with their current 8-6 record. Now that most power rankings have been released, let’s examine Cincinnati’s position with a few weeks left.

Zac Taylor, the coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, isn’t ready to make any snap decisions on wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s availability for Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

On Tuesday, Taylor informed the media that Chase would not be practicing that day. Regarding his star wideout’s status against the Steelers (7–7), Taylor added, “We’ll see as the week goes.”

In the fourth quarter of Cincinnati’s 27-24 overtime victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, Chase suffered a separation of his shoulder. It was reported on Monday by NFL Network that he would have to miss many weeks of action.

In the midst of the AFC playoff hunt, the Bengals (8-6) are already missing starting quarterback Joe Burrow due to a season-ending wrist injury he suffered in a Nov. 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, 34-20. Under centre, Jake Browning has assumed command.

After 14 games this season, Chase, 23, leads the team in touchdowns (seven), receiving yards (1,156), and catches (93). Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) smiles after completing a deep pass in the first quarter of the NFL Week 15 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Minnesota Vikings at PayCor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023.

In 43 career games, Chase, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, has 261 receptions for 3,657 yards and 29 touchdowns. Out of LSU, he was chosen by the Bengals with the fifth overall choice in the NFL Draft of 2021.

It’s likely that receivers Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will be counted on to fill in for Chase.

-Media at the Field Level