The Bengals are expected to be without Ja’Marr Chase, the team’s top offensive weapon and one of the NFL’s top pass-catching threats, for several weeks.
The second-year receiver is dealing with a hip injury suffered in his and Joe Burrow’s Week 6 return to New Orleans. He had seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-26 victory over the Saints, and exhibited no obvious injury during or after the game.
He reportedly exacerbated his hip further in Week 7 against the Falcons, against whom he had another eight catches, 130 yards and two touchdowns. Following that game, Chase saw a hip specialist to determine the severity of his injury and whether he would need surgical intervention.
The Bengals reportedly will not place Bengals on Injured Reserve, which would mandate he miss at least four weeks of the season. That said, he is still expected to be out several weeks as he recovers from the issue.
MORE: Bengals WR depth chart: Joe Burrow has options after Ja’Marr Chase injury
The Sporting News breaks down Chase’s injury and his status, which could keep him out for several weeks.
How long is Ja’Marr Chase out?
Several reports indicate Chase will not need surgery to repair his hip and will not be placed on Injured Reserve. That said, he is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Bengals’ WR Ja’Marr Chase is dealing with a hip injury that is expected to sideline him 4-6 weeks and makes him a prime candidate for injured reserve, per sources. Chase visited with a hip specialist Wednesday and is seeking more answers about his injury.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2022
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also reported that Chase would not require surgery for his injury.
Rest and rehab for Ja’Marr Chase. No surgery, but lots of work ahead. https://t.co/9rqQyrUnob
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 27, 2022
Depending on how quickly he heals from the injury, Cincinnati could expect him back as soon as Week 11 against the Steelers or as late as Week 13 against the Chiefs. As reported by Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals hope Chase’s physical makeup will lend itself to a shorter recovery period.
From the sources I spoke with about Ja’Marr Chase’s hip injury, the reason the timeline is so up in the air regarding his return is that the team hopes because of his physical makeup, Ja’Marr’s hip will heal faster than the average person.
— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) October 27, 2022
The defending AFC champion Bengals are 4-3 on the season and in second place in the AFC North, behind the Ravens. Cincinnati plays four AFC teams over the next six weeks, including two in the division (Browns in Week 8 and Steelers in Week 11).
MORE: Ja’Marr Chase injury update: Bengals star wide receiver to miss multiple weeks
Bengals WR depth chart
Chase leads all Bengals players in targets (74), catches (47), yards (605) and touchdowns (six). While Cincinnati will be without its top playmaker, it still has several receivers who can step up in his absence.
Those include Tee Higgins (31 catches, 455 yards, two touchdowns), Tyler Boyd (29 catches, 455 yards, three touchdowns) and tight end Hayden Hurst (29 catches, 226 yards, two touchdowns). Running back Joe Mixon also has 405 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns this season.
| Player | Place on depth chart |
|---|---|
| Ja’Marr Chase | 1 (injured) |
| Tee Higgins | 2 |
| Tyler Boyd | 3 |
| Mike Thomas | 4 |
| Stanley Morgan | 5 |
| Trent Taylor | 6 |
