Overview
- Both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins left Cincinnati’s Week 4 game with injuries after Sunday’s matchup, with Chase removed for a head injury and Higgins exiting late with a groin (adductor) problem.
- Chase is now in the NFL’s five-step Return-to-Participation concussion protocol and must also receive separate clearance from an Independent Neurological Consultant before he can return to play.
- Higgins has been labeled day-to-day by coach Zac Taylor and could be available for Week 5 depending on his recovery, but the team gave no firm timeline for his return.
- Cincinnati’s depth is stretched because Andrei Iosivas is on injured reserve and Colbie Young is sidelined, so the Bengals are preparing to rely more on Dohnte Meyers, Mitchell Tinsley and tight ends while monitoring practice reports.
- If either starter misses time the club may pursue short-term help via practice-squad elevations, free-agent signings or trade conversations, and the upcoming Week 6 bye gives the team an extra window to manage recoveries.