The Cincinnati Bengals received another update on star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase on Wednesday, one day after a frightening moment at practice put his status under the microscope.
Chase was not participating in Wednesday’s practice after appearing to hyperextend his left knee during Tuesday’s session. Jaron May of WLWT reported that Chase was watching practice with a sleeve covering his left leg, an expected development after the Bengals’ most important offensive weapon landed awkwardly while attempting to make a play downfield.
While Chase’s absence will naturally draw attention this close to the regular season, the early indications remain encouraging. Chase downplayed the injury Tuesday, saying he felt fine and indicating he could have continued practicing if necessary.
Ja’Marr Chase Sits Out Bengals Practice Wednesday
“Ja’Marr Chase is not practicing today, as expected, and has a sleeve on his left leg,” May reported Wednesday.
The decision to hold Chase out comes after a scary sequence during Tuesday’s practice.
Chase went up for a deep pass from quarterback Joe Burrow before coming down awkwardly and immediately grabbing his left leg. He initially struggled to get up and received attention from Cincinnati’s training staff, but eventually walked around the field without a noticeable limp and remained with teammates.
Afterward, Chase described the injury as a minor hyperextension and said he believed he could have continued practicing. CBS Sports also reported that Chase said he could play in a game if necessary, another positive sign that Cincinnati avoided a significant injury.
Wednesday’s absence appears to be the Bengals exercising caution rather than an indication of a major setback.
Bengals Can’t Afford Major Chase Injury
There are few players Cincinnati can less afford to lose.
Chase finished the 2025 season with 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns despite Burrow missing nine weeks with a toe injury. His dominant 2024 campaign included 127 catches, 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, helping Chase eventually land a four-year, $161 million extension.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier receivers and remains the centerpiece of Cincinnati’s passing attack alongside Burrow and Tee Higgins.
For now, Chase wearing a sleeve and sitting out practice is something to monitor. Considering how concerning Tuesday’s injury initially looked, however, the Bengals appear to have avoided the type of long-term issue that could have dramatically altered their season.
