Ja'Marr Chase exits Bengals-Jaguars game with suspected concussion
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase left Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion. Chase was tackled after a four-yard catch, during which Jaguars defensive back Jarrian Jones was penalized for grabbing his facemask. The Bengals confirmed Chase would not return to the field, and he must now clear the league's five-step protocol to be eligible for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Before leaving, Chase recorded three catches for 26 yards.
Key points
- Chase exited the game in the second quarter after being tackled on a four-yard reception.
- Jaguars defender Jarrian Jones was flagged for facemask grabbing during the play that led to Chase's exit.
- The Bengals announced Chase would not return to the game and is undergoing a concussion evaluation.
- Chase had three receptions for 26 yards before leaving the field.
- Chase must pass the NFL's five-step concussion protocol to play in Week 5 against the Dolphins on October 11.
Background
This incident follows Chase's earlier knee hyperextension scare during practice in August, where he was held out as a precaution but remained available for the season opener. The Bengals have faced injury concerns for their star receiver, but Chase had been active in recent weeks, including recording his first pair of touchdowns in a win two weeks prior.
How outlets are covering it
NBC Sports reported the initial injury and evaluation, noting the facemask penalty on Jarrian Jones. CBS Sports confirmed Chase was ruled out for the remainder of the game and detailed the impact on the Bengals' passing game, highlighting Tee Higgins as the new primary target for quarterback Joe Burrow. ESPN's source was inaccessible due to a server error, so no additional perspective could be synthesized from that outlet.
Why it matters
Chase's absence significantly alters the Bengals' offensive strategy, forcing a shift in target distribution to players like Tee Higgins, Dohnte Meyers, and Chase Brown. His availability for the upcoming game against the Dolphins is contingent on clearing the concussion protocol, which could impact the team's performance in a critical divisional matchup.
What to watch
Chase will undergo the NFL's five-step concussion protocol. If he clears all steps, he will be eligible to play in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins on October 11. The Bengals will continue their game against the Jaguars without him, relying on other receivers to fill the void.
- Ja’Marr Chase leaves for a concussion evaluation NBC Sports
- Bengals star WR Ja'Marr Chase suffers concussion vs. Jaguars ESPN
- Fantasy Football Injury Impact: Ja'Marr Chase Injury Increases Fantasy Stock Of Bengals Sleeper Yahoo Sports
- Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase: Won't return vs. Jacksonville CBS Sports
- Lamar Jackson (ankle) questionable to return NBC Sports
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