The Cincinnati Bengals are entering a crucial Week 6 matchup against the Green Bay Packers with a 2-3 record. After a shaky start to the season, the team needs a win to stay competitive in the AFC playoff race.
However, their plans have hit a hurdle as star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has made a surprise appearance on the injury report. The timing isn’t ideal, and his status is suddenly one of the biggest question marks heading into the weekend.
What Happened to Ja’Marr Chase?
Chase was added to the Bengals’ Week 6 injury report due to an illness. He missed Friday’s practice as a result, which caught many by surprise since he had been a full participant earlier in the week. The late addition immediately sparked speculation about his availability.
The team listed Chase as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Packers. While it’s not believed to be a long-term issue, illnesses that surface late in the week can sometimes impact conditioning and game readiness.
Cincinnati will likely evaluate him on Sunday morning before making a final decision.
Is Ja’Marr Chase Playing Week 6?
As of now, Chase’s game-day status remains uncertain. The Bengals are taking a cautious approach, given how vital he is to their passing attack. With the team already navigating some offensive inconsistency this season, losing Chase, even for a week, could have a noticeable impact.
“We’ll see how the next couple of days go,” head coach Zac Taylor SAID after Friday’s practice. “If he can play, he can play.”
The Bengals have struggled to find rhythm through the air at times. So, Chase’s potential absence would put added pressure on their quarterback and the rest of the offense to create plays downfield.
Ja’Marr Chase Fantasy Outlook
For fantasy managers, the situation warrants close monitoring right up until kickoff. Chase has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent Bengals offense this season. Through five games, he’s recorded over 400 receiving yards and remains the top target in both volume and red-zone opportunities.
If he’s cleared to play, Chase remains a must-start option, though expectations should be tempered slightly given the possible impact of his illness. If he’s ruled out, managers should pivot to other options or look for short-term replacements from high-volume passing offenses.
Regardless of this week’s status, Chase’s importance to Cincinnati can’t be overstated. When he’s on the field, the Bengals’ offense runs smoother, and their chances of winning increase dramatically. As the team prepares for a pivotal game against Green Bay, all eyes will be on Chase’s health.
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