Bengals suffer major blow losing Ja’Marr Chase to hip injury
The Cincinnati Bengals have hit their stride over the last few games, pushing their way back to playoff contention.
However, the Bengals will move through the next several weeks without their top passing game weapon as star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will miss the next four to six weeks due to a hip injury.
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Chase first dealt with hip issues dating back to the Week 6 win against the New Orleans Saints. The injury limited him in practice ahead of last Sunday’s contest against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Pro Bowl wideout played through the ailment, but his absence leaves a significant void in the passing game. Chase has been off to a strong start in the 2022 season, tied for fifth with 47 receptions, sixth with 605 receiving yards, and second with six touchdowns.
The 22-year-old has posted more than 100 receiving yards three times, including back-to-back performances with at least 100 receiving yards, seven receptions, and two touchdowns.
The Bengals possess one of the league’s most talented young receiving cores at star quarterback Joe Burrow’s disposal. It’s an opportunity for Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd to play more significant roles in the passing game.
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Higgins has been a huge big-play factor, recording 31 receptions for 455 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Boyd has notched 29 catches for 455 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Chase’s absence may see a bigger dependency on the running game led by Joe Mixon. He has 405 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with 27 catches for 182 receiving yards and a touchdown.
