The Cincinnati Bengals were in risk of missing their top two wide outs Sunday against the Houston Texans. Tee Higgins was ruled out with a hamstring ailment, while Ja’Marr Chase was listed as questionable with a back injury. However, Chase is now officially active after participating in pregame warmups.
According to reports, the Bengals wanted Chase to demonstrate his ability to play during pregame warmups. According to NFL Media, Chase completed the requisite warmups and will be in uniform. However, it is unclear how effective he will be. Chase did not practice on Wednesday due to a back ailment and was only able to participate in a restricted capacity on Thursday and Friday.
Chase is tied for fifth in the NFL in receptions (64), eighth in receiving yards (697), and has four touchdown catches in eight games. Keep in mind that the Bengals have an important road divisional matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on a short week in Week 11, when they travel to Maryland for “Thursday Night Football.” This could impact how much Chase is used on Sunday.
Tyler Boyd may as well be the Bengals’ WR1 this week, and other players like Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas should have opportunities to make an impact. Irwin has caught 11 passes for 101 yards this season, while Iosivas has four receptions for 23 yards and two scores.
