The Cincinnati Bengals’ difficulties escalated as star receiver Ja’Marr Chase exited the game early due to a concussion.
During the second half of the Bengals’ 22-17 defeat to the Jaguars, Chase was in the medical tent after taking a concerning hit with just over 12 minutes remaining in the second quarter.
Chase experienced a significant blow to the head during a tackle after having his facemask yanked by a defender.
Jaguars cornerback Jarrion Jones pulled Chase’s facemask, and linebacker Ventrell Miller tackled him high. While officials penalized Jones, they did not flag Miller during the play.
Upon review, the CBS broadcast team pointed out that Miller’s tackle looked like it involved his helmet’s crown.
Chase was seen on the field holding his head until medical staff arrived, after which he managed to stand but was escorted to the medical tent for evaluation.
“They’ll figure it out. We’ll see how Chase is doing now, but these guys will sort it out, and we’ll have a good plan for the second half,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor mentioned at halftime.
Initially listed as questionable to return, Chase was ultimately ruled out due to his concussion.
The Bengals’ passing game, however, remained strong, with quarterback Joe Burrow completing 39 out of 54 passes for an impressive 428 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
Chase had caught all three of his targets for 27 yards prior to his exit, and in addition, receiver Tee Higgins also left the game injured in the fourth quarter.
With Chase sidelined for this game and ruled out for the upcoming matchup against the Dolphins, the Bengals face a tricky situation, now relying on just two healthy receivers: Mitch Tinsley and Dohnte Meyers.
“We just have to make it work, and for the most part we did. Never felt like, ‘Man, we can’t do this because of who we got’. If you make our roster on offense, you’ve got something to ya,” Taylor reflected after the game.
The Bengals’ record now stands at 2-2 after a promising start to the season.
