The Cincinnati Bengals will now need to contend for a postseason berth without their best wide receiver after managing to do so without their starting quarterback.
Due to a separated shoulder, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is anticipated to miss Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and possibly more time following, according to a report released on Monday night by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
With 93 receptions, 1,156 yards, and seven touchdowns, the team’s top receiver, a two-time Pro Bowler, will no longer be available to Cincinnati.
Tee Higgins, who scored two touchdowns on Saturday, and Tyler Boyd will be expected to contribute more in Chase’s absence.
The Bengals, who are ranked sixth in the AFC, will try to hold off the No. 10 Pittsburgh Steelers (7–7) in Week 16. That is, if they can manage without Chase.
What happens in Week 17 and thereafter is yet unknown.
