Bengals' Higgins and Chase remain questionable for Week 5 Dolphins clash
Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are listed as questionable for their Week 5 match against the Miami Dolphins. Higgins missed the first two practices of the week but participated fully on Friday, while Chase remains in concussion protocol. The team is preparing for their absence, with Dohnte Meyers emerging as a key backup option.
Key points
- Tee Higgins is questionable for Week 5 after missing Wednesday and Thursday practices due to groin and neck issues, though he practiced fully on Friday.
- Ja'Marr Chase remains in concussion protocol and is also listed as questionable, despite logging limited practice time on Thursday.
- Head coach Zac Taylor indicated that the team is preparing for the potential absence of both star receivers.
- Dohnte Meyers, who had nine targets in Week 4, is positioned as the primary backup receiver if Higgins and Chase are unavailable.
- The Bengals' receiving depth is further strained by injuries to safety Bryan Cook and rookie Colbie Young, who are also questionable.
Background
The Bengals lost 22-17 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4, where Chase suffered a concussion and Higgins sustained an adductor injury. Higgins had previously recorded 11 catches for 157 yards in that game. The team has faced significant roster challenges this season, including fines for a controversial celebration and the absence of receiver Andrei Iosivas.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports and the Cincinnati Bengals official report align on the 'questionable' status for Higgins and Chase, noting Higgins' full Friday practice. The Cincinnati Enquirer emphasizes the team's preparation for their absence, highlighting the increased roles of Dohnte Meyers, Colbie Young, and Mitch Tinsley. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a server error, providing no additional perspective.
Why it matters
The availability of Higgins and Chase is critical for the Bengals' offensive output against the Dolphins. Their absence would significantly elevate the role of Dohnte Meyers and other backups, impacting the team's fantasy value and overall competitive standing in the AFC North.
What to watch
The Bengals will release official game-day injury reports 90 minutes before kickoff. Fantasy managers are advised to monitor these updates, as Higgins' status could shift based on his final practice performance.
- Tee Higgins (groin/neck) questionable vs. Dolphins NBC Sports
- Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) back at practice, Tee Higgins (adductor/neck) remains sidelined Yahoo Sports
- Quick Hits | Bengals' Playmakers Questionable; Boyhood Bears Fan Ted Karras Remembers Mike Ditka Cincinnati Bengals
- Bengals WR Tee Higgins day-to-day with adductor injury, coach says ESPN
- Ja'Marr Chase's injury report designation improved. Here's what we know Cincinnati Enquirer
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