If the Bengals are going to make the playoffs this season, they'll do so without their two best players.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported on Monday that wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase "is likely to miss some time," including Week 16 against the Steelers. "It could extend beyond that, as well," cautioned Rapoport.
#Bengals star WR Ja'Marr Chase is likely to miss some time, sources said after the MRI on his separated shoulder today.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2023
The expectation is that he is sidelined for this week’s game against the #Steelers, and it could extend beyond that, as well.
Earlier this season, starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a season-ending wrist injury in Week 11.
Backup quarterback Jake Browning has been excellent in relief of Burrow, going 3-1 in four starts.
After his 324-yard, two-touchdown performance in Saturday's 27-24 overtime win over the Vikings, Browning became the first player since the league began tracking quarterback starts in 1950 to throw for at least 1,000 yards with a 75% completion percentage in his first four starts.
The NFL has been tracking QB starts since the 1950 season.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 17, 2023
Just one QB in that time has 1,000+ passing yards and completed over 75% of his passes in his first four starts.
Jake Browning. pic.twitter.com/cAfMHHtixo
Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins also reminded everyone how deep the team is at wide receiver with his phenomenal effort on the tying touchdown against Minnesota.
TEE HIGGINS JUMP BALL AND THE REACH! WHAT A TD
— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2023
: #MINvsCIN on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/vtmfEKvOLy pic.twitter.com/sLb6U64XNq
TEE TIME. We’re tied 24-24 with 39 seconds to go.
— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2023
: #MINvsCIN on @NFLNetwork
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/vtmfEKvOLy pic.twitter.com/wkRhKTDiVD
As much depth as the team has, losing Chase for any amount of time will certainly make Cincy's goal of reaching the postseason even more difficult.
While Pittsburgh (7-7) has faded from playoff contention over its last three games, it's a desperate team needing a win to keep its dim playoff hopes alive.
Over the final two weeks of the season, the Bengals play the Chiefs (9-5) and Browns (9-5), a pair of teams closing in on clinching playoff berths.
The job was never going to be easy for Cincinnati (8-6) to make the playoffs without Burrow. Chase's injury and a difficult schedule made the task much more difficult. If the Bengals somehow reach the postseason, they will have earned it.
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