The NFL lost one of its most recognizable figures this week when Mike Ditka died at 86. Hall of Fame tight end, coach and commentator, Ditka left behind a football footprint that stretched across generations, from his days as a player to the animated, larger-than-life version of himself fans saw on TV and in movies.
For Bengals center Ted Karras, the news brought back memories of a man he actually knew. Karras recently reflected on Ditka after hearing about his passing, one of several reminders this week that Ditka’s influence reached well beyond Chicago.
Cincinnati has its own business to handle, though. The Bengals are heading into Sunday’s 1 p.m. game in Miami on FOX19 with a chance to get to the bye week at 3-2, and they also need to come out healthy for a major matchup with the Ravens waiting on the other side.
That optimism comes with a dose of uncertainty. The biggest names on the Bengals’ Friday injury report were listed as questionable heading into the Dolphins game, leaving plenty to sort out before kickoff.
There was at least one encouraging note earlier in the week: Ja’Marr Chase drew a strong positive sign in practice ahead of the matchup, a welcome development for a team trying to steady itself before a tricky road trip.
The Bengals have also spent the week looking at ways to attack Miami, with one breakdown laying out how and why they can crush the Dolphins in Miami. The goal is simple enough - improve to 3-2 and head into the break with momentum.
Around the league, former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton was released by the Philadelphia Eagles on Oct. 9, the team announced.
And in the wider NFL news cycle, Week 5 of the 2026 season is underway, with other storylines piling up as Dallas coach Brian Schottenheimer weighs staff changes after the Cowboys’ loss and Jerry Jones reacts to the embarrassing defeat. Davis Webb, meanwhile, is drawing on his experience as a backup quarterback as he adjusts to his demotion as the Denver Broncos’ offensive play-caller.
In Other News...
JaMarr Chase Still Has One Big Week 5 Hurdle
JaMarr Chases Week 5 outlook has moved in the right direction, and for the Bengals that alone is a welcome development after a week of watching the injury report closely. Chase was listed as questionable along with Justin Jefferson, but his progress in practice has been enough to keep optimism alive, especially with other notable receivers around the league already being ruled out or, in some cases, cleared to play.
The remaining wait now centers on the final piece of the process, and it is the sort of detail that can shape Sunday availability even after practice has gone well. Cincinnati has reason to feel better about where this is headed, but until that last step is completed, Chase still has one more hurdle to clear before the Bengals can count on having him back in the lineup. [Read more 🡒]
Nico Collins Carries New Week 5 Pressure For Texans Fans
With the first bye week arriving, fantasy managers are already sorting through replacement options and trying to squeeze value out of every matchup. The lineup advice for this slate leans on recent usage, injury updates and game script, with players like Jameis Winston and Kyle Monangai getting attention because their roles and opponents line up well for Week 5 decisions.
For Cincinnati fans, the most relevant nugget sits on the other side of that DFS conversation, where Brown is drawing notice as a running back play with a favorable setup against Miami. The Dolphins have been a soft spot for backs all season, and the case for Brown rests on volume, scoring chances and the kind of offensive environment that can turn a steady workload into a big fantasy day. The only real question is how aggressive managers want to get in a spot that looks inviting, but still leaves room for one more surprise. [Read more 🡒]
Ja'Marr Chase Situation Just Added To Bengals' Miami Concern
The Bengals are already dealing with their share of injury concerns as they prepare for Miami, and Ja'Marr Chases status only adds another layer of uncertainty to the week. Zac Taylor acknowledged the challenges that come with that kind of roster strain while still pointing to the groups ability to keep moving forward, but there is no getting around how important Chase is to Cincinnatis offense.
His availability now hangs over a matchup the Bengals would prefer to approach at full strength, especially with the Dolphins looming on the schedule. Chase is listed as questionable, and with the offense already trying to navigate the usual late-week injury calculus, Cincinnati will be watching closely to see whether its top wideout can answer the bell. [Read more 🡒]