The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with a major injury issue leading into the Week 8 Monday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase suffered a hip injury in the Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Video of #Bengals Jamar Chase’s injury. https://t.co/xFrINLVLcJ
— NFL Unlimited (@NFLUnlimited) October 23, 2022
The injury could potentially send him to injured reserve.
Though the extent and duration of his recovery are not yet known, Chase will not be facing the Browns on the Halloween edition of MNF.
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
What It Means
It is a definite complication for the Bengals.
However, they are the reigning AFC Champions and have a lot of talent on the roster beyond Chase.
This WR trio is just on another level 🤯📈@Real10jayy__ x @teehiggins5 x @boutdat_23 | @Bengals 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fpjVqeiiId
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 25, 2022
Though Chase is the leader in receiving yards, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are also having great seasons.
For the Browns, Denzel Ward, who has been very successful against the Bengals receivers, remains in the concussion protocol so it is unclear if he will be cleared in time for Monday night.
#Browns Denzel Ward is still in the concussion protocol, Stefanski said. He has no update on his chances of facing the #Bengals
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) October 27, 2022
Ward has not played since Week 5.
The Browns Will Be Challenged
Don’t be tempted to think this development with Chase makes the Browns’ path to victory that much easier.
The Browns still have to fix the problems that have cost them close games.
Besides, the Bengals are likely tired of hearing how they are 0-4 against their interstate rival since Joe Burrow came into the NFL.
They have an axe to grind and a score to settle, and prime-time football on Halloween night in Cleveland is the perfect time to do it.
As for the Browns, they have to win this game in order to stay competitive in the AFC North.
Chase’s absence adds more drama to an already exciting Monday night matchup.
NEXT: Nick Chubb Comments On Why The Browns Are Losing