Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai (58) and wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) celebrate on the bench with Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) after Hubbard runs back a stripped ball for a 98-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during an NFL wild-card playoff football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals advanced to the Divisional round of the playoffs with a 24-17 win over the Ravens. Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Afc Wild Card Jan 15 342
The Cincinnati Bengals have won four straight games heading into Sunday’s home matchup against the Houston Texans. However, the Bengals’ momentum may be hindered by the uncertain situations of standout receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for Sunday.
Both players did not practise on Wednesday because Chase has a back injury and Higgins has a hamstring injury. According to the Enquirer, Chase went through his typical practise routine at the start of Thursday’s practise, while Higgins arrived without his uniform or cleats.
Chase appeared to injure himself while attempting to make a downfield reception during the Bengals’ win over the Bills on Sunday night. Chase landed flat on his back while attempting to make the catch. He only had four catches for 41 yards against the Bills, but he leads the club with 64 receptions for 697 yards and four touchdowns through eight games.
Higgins, who recently battled a rib injury, had a season best with eight receptions for 110 yards against Buffalo on Sunday. Higgins, a 2020 second-round pick, had two consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons while helping Cincinnati win back-to-back AFC North division titles.
There is no replacement for Chase or Higgins, but the Bengals have backups in case either player is unable to play on Sunday. Tyler Boyd, the team’s seasoned wideout who has caught a touchdown in two of the team’s last three games, would still be available to Joe Burrow.
The Bengals also boast rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas, fellow wide out Trenton Irwin, and the tight end combo of Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Tanner Hudson, who caught 10 catches for 101 yards and two scores against the Bills.
Cincinnati’s offence can also rely more on the running game and Joe Mixon, who, in addition to his ground game, ranks fourth on the team in receptions.
