Ja’Marr Chase’s week got off to an uneasy start for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The star wide receiver was not seen at Wednesday’s practice during the stretch period open to the media, according to Bengals reporter Mike Petraglia. “Bengals stretch on a perfect Wednesday outside Paycor. No Ja’Marr Chase spotted at stretch,” Petraglia wrote.
That puts Chase in line to be a non-participant to begin Week 8, and his status now hangs in the balance. At this point, it’s still unclear what is keeping him off the field. Chase was not listed on Cincinnati’s injury report last week.
The Bengals will provide more clarity later Wednesday when they release their first injury report. Cincinnati still has two more days to get Chase back on the practice field before Sunday’s matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
If Chase can’t go, the Bengals’ receiver depth will be tested fast. Tee Higgins would slide into the lead role and take over as Cincinnati’s No. 1 option.
Higgins has been outstanding, piling up 571 receiving yards and two touchdowns in six games. He’s been especially sharp lately, going for 11 catches and 157 yards in Week 4, then following that with six receptions, 148 yards and a touchdown in Week 7.
His 571 yards put him eighth in the NFL, and that total is already higher than Chase’s 351 yards through six games.
Behind Higgins, though, the picture gets thin. Andrei Iosivas is on injured reserve, while the rest of the room includes Dohnte Meyers, Colbie Young and Mitch Tinsley.
Meyers has been the most productive of that group with 141 receiving yards, and he would likely move into the No. 2 spot if Chase is ruled out.
The Bengals may also need more production from tight end Mike Gesicki, who is third on the team with 165 receiving yards.
Cincinnati and Tennessee kick off at 1 p.m. ET Sunday on CBS and Paramount+.
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