Ja’Marr Chase’s Wednesday absence from practice stirred up some anxiety in Cincinnati, but Ian Rapoport poured cold water on the idea that the Bengals have a real problem on their hands.
Speaking Thursday on Good Morning Football, Rapoport said Chase’s Week 8 status is “far, far less worrisome” than the situation around Broncos receiver Jaylen Waddle, who may not play this week. Rapoport also noted, “Neither did Ja'Marr Chase for the Cincinnati Bengals.
This one far, far less worrisome, was listed as a rest day along with an ankle,” adding, “This is not considered to be a major deal in the Cincinnati Bengals, whose offense is humming. At least it was in the second half last week against the Baltimore Ravens.”
That should calm a fan base that was already on edge after Chase did not practice on Wednesday. With Cincinnati leaning so heavily on its offense again in Week 7, any hint that one of its biggest stars might be compromised was bound to set off alarm bells.
The concern came from the way Chase showed up on the injury report, with both a rest designation and an ankle note attached. That left some uncertainty about whether the absence was precautionary or something more. Rapoport’s report points strongly toward the former, with the issue sounding more like a veteran maintenance day than a serious setback.
Still, the Bengals will want to see Chase back on the field soon enough. If he misses another practice this week, the questions will start again.
The timing matters because Cincinnati is right in the thick of a crowded AFC North race. All four teams in the division have either four or five wins, which leaves very little room to breathe at the top.
For now, though, the Bengals at least have the matchup working in their favor. They go into Week 8 against an opponent that looks very beatable, so a win should be there for the taking whether Chase suits up or not.
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