The Cincinnati Bengals face uncertainty over the availability of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for their Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins after both wideouts sustained injuries in last Sunday’s 22-17 loss to Jacksonville. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed on Wednesday that Chase remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, while Higgins is limited in practice with an adductor injury.
Chase and Higgins have been the Bengals’ primary receiving threats this season. Higgins leads the team with 25 catches for 401 yards, while Chase has 21 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns, tied for the team lead. Both rank among the 15 highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL by average annual value, according to Over the Cap.
Their absence would leave quarterback Joe Burrow with a depleted receiving corps. Andrei Iosivas is already on injured reserve following thumb surgery, and rookie Colbie Young has been sidelined since a knee injury in Week 3. Against the Jaguars, Cincinnati’s offense heavily relied on Chase and Higgins, attempting 54 passes and running only 15 times.
The Bengals’ rushing attack has struggled this season, ranking second to last in the league with 74.3 yards per game and averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. Burrow acknowledged after the Jacksonville defeat that he is willing to throw the ball even more, but with Chase and Higgins potentially sidelined, that approach will be more difficult.
In their likely absence, attention has shifted to wide receivers Mitch Tinsley and Dohnte Meyers, as well as tight end Mike Gesicki. Tinsley, who caught two touchdowns for Cincinnati last season and was recently on the Houston Texans’ practice squad, recorded three receptions for 49 yards against Jacksonville. Meyers, a former Canadian Football League standout, had seven catches for 82 yards, while Gesicki added three grabs for 40 yards and a touchdown.
Despite the Bengals’ offensive concerns, their opponent Miami has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks. The Dolphins have allowed a completion rate of 77.9% and surrender 7.7 net yards per pass attempt, ranking near the bottom of the NFL behind only Dallas and Arizona.
The status of Chase and Higgins will be critical to how the Bengals approach Sunday’s game in Miami. Taylor’s updates on their conditions will likely shape their offensive game plan, as Cincinnati looks to avoid a third straight loss.
According to Yahoo Sports.
