By admin 
Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase injured his left knee during Bengals practice on August 25 while trying to make a deep catch from Joe Burrow. He fell awkwardly and remained on the ground briefly before trainers checked on him. The injury was later described as a hyperextension, and was not considered serious.
Chase did not practice in the days that followed, but his absence was limited to the end of the training camp. Head coach Zac Taylor felt good about Chase’s progress and expected him to return for Week 1.
The biggest development came Monday, September 7, when the 26-year-old receiver returned to practice as the Bengals began their official Week 1 preparation. Cincinnati hosts Tampa Bay on Sunday, at Paycor Stadium and having Chase in the lineup matters because the Buccaneers now have to prepare for Cincinnati’s preferred attack.
Chase is not simply another weapon in Burrow’s offense; he is the one who changes the ceiling of the Bengals passing game. He led the NFL in targets last season and earned First-Team All-Pro honors for the second straight year. His presence also creates opportunities for Tee Higgins and the rest of Cincinnati’s offense.
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Other Bengals Injuries and Roster Outlook
Tee Higgins dealt with a heel contusion late in training camp and alongside Chase, missed practice last week. But he returned on Monday, which means Higgins is also trending toward playing in Week 1.
Higgins is coming off his first Pro Bowl season, when he recorded 59 catches for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns, so his availability gives Burrow both of his primary receivers. Defensive end Shemar Stewart had the scarier injury timeline. He suffered a knee hyperextension on July 29, and was carted off for scans. The initial visual was concerning, but testing showed no torn ligaments. Stewart was initially expected to miss at least a month, putting his Week 1 availability in doubt.
Burrow is healthy, which is good news for the Bengals. After a toe injury in the 2025 season, he returned in Week 13 and finished the final six games, with 152 passes and throwing 15 touchdowns. If the protection holds, Cincinnati has the personnel to put pressure on defenses quickly.
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This story was originally published September 8, 2026 at 11:54 PM.