The Cincinnati Bengals held their breath during Tuesday’s practice, as All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase went down with a knee injury.
Chase was trying to haul in a deep pass from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow when he tweaked his knee and fell to the ground in pain. He didn’t need a cart or any serious medical assistance, but fans were worried that he suffered a serious knee injury.
The Bengals obviously need Chase if they’re going to contend this fall. He’s coming off a 2025 season where he hauled in 125 passes for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns.
© Katie Stratman-Imagn Images.
David Chao, who was once the team physician for the San Diego Chargers, believes fans shouldn’t take a sigh of relief until an ACL injury can be ruled out.
As for potential diagnosis, Chao thinks Chase may have suffered a mild LCL sprain.
“Scary non-contact left knee injury video,” Chao wrote on social media. “I know he walked around after but… Not gonna rest easy until ACL ruled out. Hopefully just bone bruise & LCL mild sprain.”
Ja’Marr Chase doesn’t seem worried.
After the Bengals wrapped up Tuesday’s practice session, Chase shared his thoughts on the injury and his outlook moving forward.
“Just a football play,” Chase told reporters. “I missed my footing. It’s just a little tweak. I’m fine. I feel good.”
Chase said he wanted to keep practicing, but the Bengals ultimately shut his plans down.
Barring a shocking turn of events, Chase should be ready for Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
