The Cincinnati Bengals have been mercilessly targeted by the injury bug this season. Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals is its most recent victim.
Due to a shoulder injury, Chase was forced to leave the Bengals’ game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday at Cincinnati, Ohio’s Paycor Stadium. Despite Chase’s absence, the home team rallied for a crucial victory, winning 27–24 in overtime.
Before the game was out, Chase—who was first thought to be questionable to return—was finally seen wearing street clothes. The scene turned out to be a bad omen for Chase’s expectations for Cincinnati’s upcoming match.
According to Rapoport, Chase is expected to miss the Bengals’ Week 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers and may face an even lengthier layoff.
When quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending injury early this season, the Bengals were already struck a severe blow.
The 8-6 Bengals will face an even harder road to securing a postseason position with two of Cincinnati’s best players out.
This season, Chase leads the Bengals in nearly all receiving metrics. The 23-year-old wide receiver has 93 catches for 1,156 yards and 7 touchdowns through 14 games.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Chase is reportedly expected to “miss some time” as he recovers from a separated shoulder.
