The Cincinnati Bengals are getting a marquee player back on their roster at the right time.
After missing four games due to a hip injury, Ja’Marr Chase will suit up for the Bengals this week.
The #Bengals have won three in a row and reinforcements are on the way. Source says the plan is for star WR Ja’Marr Chase (hip) to return this week. He was close last week and is expected to go this week vs. the #Chiefs.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 28, 2022
Chase was assuredly missed in his four-game absence and is slated to be a key contributor in this week’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Bengals narrowly beat the Chiefs, 27-24, in the 2022 AFC Championship en route to their Super Bowl appearance against the Los Angeles Rams.
The Chase Impact
Since entering the league in 2021, Chase has been a force to be recognized with.
In his rookie campaign, Chase garnered 81 receptions, 1,455 yards, and 13 touchdowns, earning him Rookie of the Year honors.
In the first seven games of the 2022 season, Chase had 47 receptions, 605 yards, and six touchdowns.
He was on pace for another unbelievable season before he suffered this injury that has sidelined him for the past four weeks.
Fans are all hoping that Chase comes out of his injury well, and can perform as well, if not better than he had before.
In the past four weeks, quarterback Joe Burrow has leaned on wide receiver Tee Higgins, and running backs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine to take their lion’s share of the receiving work.
Against the Chiefs especially, Chase will give Burrow another option to throw downfield and will take the pressure off of Higgins, Mixon, and Perine.
With any luck, the re-emergence of Chase will allow the Bengals to rely on their strong run game while keeping the defense honest by trying to contain Chase.
