Bengals' Chase and Higgins remain questionable for Dolphins game despite full practice

Key points

• Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were listed as questionable for Week 5 but participated fully in Friday's practice.
• Chase remains in the NFL concussion protocol, while Higgins is managing an adductor injury.
• Safety Bryan Cook (ankle) and rookie receiver Colbie Young (knee) were also listed as questionable.
• The Bengals' remaining healthy receivers, Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley, have limited NFL experience compared to Chase and Higgins.
• The team has no active moves for injured receiver Andrei Iosivas, leaving practice squad players ready to debut if needed.

Background

The Bengals lost both Chase and Higgins during a 22-17 defeat to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Chase suffered a concussion, while Higgins left with an adductor injury after recording 11 catches for 157 yards. The team had previously lost receiver Andrei Iosivas to a thumb injury and Colbie Young to a knee injury in earlier games, significantly thinning the receiving corps. The Bengals are currently 2-2, while the Miami Dolphins are 0-4.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports and NFL.com both report that Chase and Higgins are questionable but participated fully in practice, with Chase potentially playing if cleared on Saturday. The Cincinnati Bengals' official source provides additional detail, noting that Higgins did not practice until Friday and that coach Zac Taylor is cautious about clearing players. The Bengals' source also highlights the limited experience of the remaining receivers, Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley, and mentions that practice squad players Jordan Moore and Noah Thomas are ready to debut if needed. All sources agree on the questionable status of Chase, Higgins, Cook, and Young, but the Bengals' source offers more depth on the depth chart and player readiness.

Why it matters

The availability of Chase and Higgins is critical for the Bengals' offense, as they are the team's primary receiving threats. Their absence would force the team to rely on less experienced receivers, potentially impacting their ability to compete against the Dolphins. The Bengals are 2-2, and a loss could further complicate their playoff chances, while the Dolphins are 0-4 and looking for their first win.

What to watch

The Bengals will make a final decision on Chase and Higgins' status on Saturday, with Chase potentially playing if cleared from the concussion protocol. The team will also monitor the progress of Cook and Young, who are also questionable. The game against the Dolphins is scheduled for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.