Tee Higgins Injury Makes Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase Situation Even Worse After Jaguars Loss

The Cincinnati Bengals left their Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars dealing with far more than a disappointing loss.

Cincinnati also saw its two biggest wide receivers leave the game with injuries, creating another major concern for an offense already dealing with significant setbacks.

Ja’Marr Chase suffered a concussion during the first half and was unable to return. Then, late in the game, Tee Higgins sustained an adductor injury after making a reception.

Despite losing both of their top receivers, the Bengals still had a chance to come away with a victory.

“We just have to make it work,” head coach Zac Taylor said, via ESPN’s Ben Baby. “Nobody wants to hear any reason why that wouldn’t work.”

Ja’Marr Chase Suffers Concussion

Chase’s injury came after he completed a catch and was pulled down by a Jaguars defender who grabbed him by his facemask.

As Chase was being brought to the ground, another Jacksonville defender made contact with him, causing his head to hit the turf. He remained on the field briefly before eventually getting to his feet and walking off under his own power.

Given the nature of the injury, Chase is likely to enter the NFL’s concussion protocol this week. His availability for Week 5 will depend on how he progresses through the required evaluations.

Tee Higgins Also Leaves With an Injury

Higgins’ injury occurred much later in the contest.

The Bengals wideout went up to make a catch during the fourth quarter but appeared to be dealing with discomfort afterward. He was able to walk away from the play, although he was moving noticeably slowly.

At this point, there is still uncertainty surrounding the severity of Higgins’ adductor injury. Both receivers could potentially be available next week, but Cincinnati could also find itself without either player depending on their recovery.

Bengals’ Receiving Depth Takes Another Hit

The injuries to Chase and Higgins are particularly damaging because Cincinnati was already short-handed at receiver.

Four wideouts who opened the season on the roster are now dealing with injuries. Andrei Iosivas is currently on injured reserve, while Colbie Young suffered a knee injury during last week’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

That leaves the Bengals looking toward their remaining options for increased production.

Mitchell Tinsley and Dohnte Meyers could be among the players asked to take on larger roles and receive more targets if Chase and Higgins are unable to play.

For now, Cincinnati will have to wait for further medical updates before knowing how long its two star receivers could be sidelined. The Bengals will certainly be hoping both injuries prove to be minor and that Chase and Higgins can return as quickly as possible.