Overview
- In Sunday’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ja’Marr Chase left with a concussion and Tee Higgins suffered an adductor injury that now leave both players' Week 5 availability uncertain.
- Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Wednesday that Chase is in the NFL concussion protocol, a stepwise medical process that requires clearance before a player can return to contact.
- Higgins is expected to be limited in practice and is listed day-to-day, which makes the team’s short-term plans hinge on his recovery progress during the week.
- Cincinnati’s receiver depth is thin with Andrei Iosivas on injured reserve and rookie Colbie Young still hurt, leaving Dohnte Meyers, Mitch Tinsley and tight end Mike Gesicki to absorb more targets.
- Oddsmakers and models have moved toward the Bengals despite the injuries, with DraftKings showing Cincinnati as the favorite and NBC Sports’ model recommending a Bengals -7 spread, though availability updates this week could change game plans.