Chase, Higgins Expected to Play for Bengals
Chase, Higgins Expected to Play for Bengals
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Key Points
1
Ja’Marr Chase was injured on Aug. 25 while attempting to catch a deep pass from Joe Burrow; he fell awkwardly and briefly remained on the field before being evaluated by trainers.
2
Chase said the knee injury was only a hyperextension and insisted he would play if Cincinnati had a game the following day: “If I had a game tomorrow, I’d play.”
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Chase’s availability is especially significant because he led the NFL in targets the previous season and earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the second consecutive year; his presence also creates opportunities for Higgins and Cincinnati’s other offensive players.
4
Tee Higgins is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, during which he recorded 59 receptions for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns.
5
Shemar Stewart’s knee injury initially appeared serious enough that he was carted off for scans and was expected to miss at least a month, though subsequent testing found no torn ligaments.
The Cincinnati Bengals expect star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after both returned to practice Monday NBC Sports. Chase is recovering from a hyperextended left knee suffered during an Aug. 25 practice, while Higgins has dealt with a bruised heel. Coach Zac Taylor said both players are progressing well and should increase their workloads before the opener.
Chase downplayed his injury, saying "If I had a game tomorrow, I'd play" Heavy. His availability matters greatly for Cincinnati's offense—he led the NFL in targets last season and earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the second straight year. Defensive end Shemar Stewart's status remains uncertain due to a knee injury, though testing found no torn ligaments.
Chase's Injury Less Serious Than Initial Appearance
Ja'Marr Chase hyperextended his left knee on Aug. 25 while attempting to catch a deep pass from Joe Burrow NBC Sports. He fell awkwardly but briefly remained on the field before trainers evaluated him. The injury turned out to be only a hyperextension—no structural damage. Chase's confidence about playing so soon signals the Bengals' medical team found no major concern.
Higgins Returns After Pro Bowl Season
Tee Higgins is coming off his first Pro Bowl year, recording 59 receptions for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns iHeart Media. His bruised heel—a contusion—appears minor enough for Sunday's opener. Higgins' return pairs with Chase to give Joe Burrow both of his top receiving threats available for the season's first game.
Chase's Presence Transforms Tampa Bay's Game Plan
Chase's availability forces Tampa Bay to defend Cincinnati's elite passing threat rather than focusing solely on Higgins or adjusting for other targets NBC Sports. Chase led the NFL in targets last season and earned consecutive First-Team All-Pro honors. His involvement on the field opens up additional opportunities for Higgins and the rest of the Bengals' offense, expanding the number of defensive concepts Tampa Bay must prepare to stop.
Stewart's Knee Status Could Affect Defense
Defensive end Shemar Stewart's knee injury remains uncertain heading into Sunday NBC Sports. He was carted off for scans after the injury and was initially expected to miss at least a month. However, subsequent testing found no torn ligaments. If Stewart cannot play, Cincinnati's defensive-line rotation and pass-rush depth could suffer, affecting how aggressively the Bengals can pressure Tampa Bay's quarterback.
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