Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is expected to miss the next 4-6 weeks with a hip injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The injury occurred in the Bengals’ Week 6 win over the Saints, during which Chase hauled in seven passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns and was a major factor in the Bengals erasing a ten-point deficit. But he was tackled awkwardly in the end zone during the game and his hip has bothered him since.
Chase could be placed on injured reserve, which would mean missing at least four games, but NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported there is no indication this is a season-ending injury.
Still, it is a major blow to the Bengals, who are looking to defend their AFC title from a season ago. Chase leads the team in every major receiving category, with 47 receptions for 605 yards and six touchdowns.
Ja’Marr Chase (1) of the Cincinnati Bengals reaches for a touchdown after making a catch last week against the Falcons. Getty Images
Ja’Marr Chase is walked off the field after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of last week’s game. Getty ImagesIf Chase is placed on IR and only misses the minimum four games, he could be back on the field in time for when the Bengals host the Chiefs on Dec. 4.
Last season, Chase, whom the Bengals drafted fifth overall out of LSU, took home NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after tallying 81 catches for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. Chase and QB Joe Burrow sparked the Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl before they eventually fell to the Rams.
Cincinnati is currently 4-3 and tied for first in the AFC North with the Ravens.
