How long will Ja’Marr Chase be out of action due to shoulder injury?

The Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase began the 2023 NFL season with a tough stretch, marred by injuries to star quarterback Joe Burrow, resulting in a string of losses. As Burrow recuperated, the team found their rhythm by stringing together victories. However, fate dealt a cruel blow when Joe Cool suffered a season-ending injury this time, leading to another downward spiral.

Fortunately, the Bengals discovered a glimmer of hope in Jake Browning, who guided the team to three consecutive wins. Chase has been a great weapon for his new QB, but sadly, he faced his own setback by succumbing to an injury that would sideline him for a while.

Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase expected to miss some time

The Bengals’ journey through the NFL season has been marked by bug challenges, and now the recent setback with Ja’Marr Chase’s injury adds to their mounting woes. The news of his sidelined status due to a separated shoulder comes as a blow to the Bengals aspirations, particularly in their crucial upcoming clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16.

Following an MRI on his injured shoulder, the WR is anticipated to miss the imminent game against the Steelers and potentially endure a longer spell on the sidelines, as reported by Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Despite Coach Zac Taylor initially deeming him “day-to-day” post-Saturday’s game, the recent report dismisses hopes of an immediate return by hinting at an absence of at least one week.

Ja’Marr Chase incurred an AC joint sprain in his right shoulder during the Bengals’ match against the Minnesota Vikings. The impact of his absence looms large for Cincy. In his stead, Tee Higgins is set to step into the primary receiving role, supported by Tyler Boyd. The shift poses a challenge for quarterback Jake Browning, who showcased his savageness against the Vikings with phenomenal performance.

For the Bengals, currently seeded sixth in the AFC facing off against the Steelers, this injury comes at a critical juncture. With playoffs within reach, playing these crucial games without a key player like the WR presents a significant hurdle. The team’s strategy for Week 17 and subsequent matchups hinges on Chase’s recovery progress, the gravity of the injury, and medical evaluations.

Ja’Marr Chase claims to be the best NFL wide receiver

Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson are intertwined by their collegiate journey at LSU, a period that saw them morph into a formidable wide receiver duo. Fast forward to the NFL, where their paths crossed again as they emerged as first-round picks.

In a recent interview preceding the showdown between the Bengals and Vikings, the discussion naturally gravitated towards the dynamic duo. When asked about their standing among NFL wide receivers, Chase delivered a confident response, claiming the throne for himself by saying, “I don’t feel like we’re the two best. I feel like I’m the best.”

The receiver was later asked to choose the league’s second-best receiver behind him, and he said, “Um, that’s for everybody else to debate.”

However, the Cincy star’s acknowledgment of Jefferson’s prowess wasn’t overlooked. Despite asserting his own dominance, he credited the Vikings veteran’s role in their mutual success while reminiscing about how they facilitated each other’s achievements both on and off the field during their time at LSU.

“Hell yeah. I did for him too. We made our jobs easier for each other”, he said per SI.com when asked if Justin made things easier for him.

Statistically, both players have showcased their talents in the NFL this season. Chase’s impressive season includes 1156 yards on 93 receptions, coupled with seven touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jefferson, despite dealing with injuries, has amassed 682 yards on 45 receptions and three touchdowns.