Concerning development in Bengals camp as Ja’Marr Chase misses Wednesday practice
The Cincinnati Bengals received an unexpected development to open preparations for Week 8 as star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase did not participate in Wednesday’s practice. Chase was officially listed as a non-participant because of rest and an ankle injury, immediately putting his status on the radar ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
Chase unexpectedly lands on injury report
Chase’s absence was notable because he had not been listed with an injury heading into the week. He also played 87% of Cincinnati’s offensive snaps during Sunday’s 35-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens, making his appearance on Wednesday’s injury report somewhat unexpected.
The Bengals officially listed Chase as NIR – Rest / Ankle, with the wide receiver designated as a did-not-participate. The combination of rest and an ankle issue provides some reason for optimism, as the designation does not necessarily indicate a significant injury.
Still, any ankle issue involving Chase is worth monitoring closely. Cincinnati is coming off its best offensive performance of the season, and Chase remains one of Joe Burrow’s most important weapons.
Through six games, Chase has recorded 32 receptions for 351 yards and five touchdowns. He also caught five passes for 62 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s comeback win over Baltimore.
Bengals will closely monitor Chase’s status
The encouraging part for Cincinnati is that there is currently no indication Chase is expected to miss Sunday’s game. The rest designation suggests the Bengals may simply have been cautious with the ankle while giving their star receiver a maintenance day to begin the week.
That said, Thursday’s practice could provide a much clearer indication of where things stand. Getting Chase back on the field, even in a limited capacity, would provide reassurance that Wednesday’s absence was precautionary.
Cincinnati has plenty of reason to be careful with Chase after the team finally found its offensive rhythm against Baltimore. The Bengals trailed 13-0 at halftime before scoring 35 unanswered points, with Burrow throwing four touchdown passes in the second half. Chase contributed a touchdown of his own during the comeback.
The Bengals will host Tennessee on Sunday, giving Chase several more days to recover before his status becomes a true game-time concern. For now, Wednesday’s absence is something to monitor rather than an indication that Chase is headed for the sidelines.
The next update from Cincinnati’s injury report could be considerably more telling.
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