Overview
- Coach Zac Taylor said Wednesday that Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are on track to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, and both were listed as full participants on Cincinnati’s initial Week 1 practice report.
- Chase, who hyperextended his knee in late‑August practice, told reporters this week he feels ready and continued to take regular reps at Thursday’s team sessions.
- Second‑year defensive end Shemar Stewart remains a question for the Bengals and was described by Taylor as a possible option rather than a certainty for Week 1 duty.
- Tampa Bay listed running back Sean Tucker as a non‑participant with a hamstring on Wednesday, then reported he did some work Thursday and coach Todd Bowles called Tucker a game‑time decision; rookie edge Rueben Bain Jr. was limited with a shoulder issue.
- Final availability will hinge on remaining open practices and Friday’s official injury reports, with Chase and Higgins’ status preserving Joe Burrow’s game plan and late injuries shaping defensive rotations and depth for both teams.