Ja'Marr Chase's Status Uncertain as Bengals Prepare for Week 1

Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals' star wide receiver, missed practice again on Thursday, leaving his availability for Week 1 in doubt. The team remains optimistic that Chase will play, but his absence from practice raises some concerns.

Ja'Marr Chase, the Cincinnati Bengals' star wide receiver, missed practice again on Thursday, raising concerns about his availability for Week 1.

Chase has been dealing with a hip injury that has kept him out of practice since last week. Head coach Zac Taylor said on Wednesday that he was confident Chase would play in Week 1, but his absence from practice on Thursday is a setback.

Ja'Marr Chase's Status Uncertain as Bengals Prepare for Week 1

The Bengals have been cautious with Chase, who is coming off a breakout season in which he had 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. They don't want to rush him back and risk further injury.

Chase is a key part of the Bengals' offense, and his absence would be a major blow. The Bengals are hoping he will be able to practice on Friday and play in Week 1, but his status is still uncertain.

If Chase is unable to play, the Bengals will have to rely on other receivers, such as Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Higgins had a strong season in 2020, but he missed most of last year with an injury. Boyd is a reliable slot receiver, but he is not the same downfield threat as Chase.

The Bengals are also hoping to get some production from their running backs in the passing game. Joe Mixon is a good receiver out of the backfield, and Samaje Perine has shown some ability as a pass-catcher as well.

The Bengals are confident that they can still be a productive offense without Chase, but his absence would certainly be a setback. They are hoping he will be able to practice on Friday and play in Week 1, but his status is still uncertain.

The Bengals open the season on Sunday, September 11th, against the Pittsburgh Steelers.