In Week 16, the Cincinnati Bengals were defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers while Ja’Marr Chase was out. Head coach Zac Taylor is hoping Chase will play as the Bengals get ready for their Week 17 battle against the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, according to Charlie Goldsmith of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Taylor is officially categorizing Chase as day-to-day. Cincinnati will see if Chase can make it through practice sessions before he returns, since there is no set timeline for his return.
Chase suffered a shoulder injury in Week 15 that was ultimately ruled an AC joint sprain. He was expected to miss at least Week 16 with his Week 17 status in the air. Taylor hasn’t played his cards just yet, but a Chase return would be massive for the Bengals.
After losing to the Steelers, Cincinnati now sits at 8-7 on the season. They’ll need to win and a bit of help if they hope to make the postseason. But if the Bengals were to sneak in, having Chase on the field will be a massive boost.
Through 14 games this season, Chase has caught 93 passes for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads the Bengals in receptions, receiving yardage
Cincinnati’s quarterback, whether it was Jake Browning or Joe Burrow, has frequently glanced in Chase’s direction. In Week 16, the Bengals were deprived of that privilege. Chase will play a critical role in Cincy’s offensive success as their prospects of making the playoffs dwindle.
Naturally, that assumes he’s on the field. When Zac Taylor phoned Ja’Marr Chase on a daily basis, he didn’t reveal much new. He did not, however, rule him out for Week 17. The Bengals are hoping for a late-game push, so Chase will keep recovering from his shoulder issue.
