What about Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Bengals who was selected to the Pro Bowl, who has been leading the NFL in completion percentage and passer rating for the past month? Over the last five weeks, Chase has averaged a league-high nine receptions per game.
The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Chase announced following Thursday’s light practice that he was a “last-minute” addition to the Cincinnati Bengals’ roster for their Sunday 1 p.m. game at Paycor Stadium against the Texans due to a bruised back.
Chase didn’t work on Wednesday after an MRI revealed a bruise sustained during his fall while attempting a leaping deep catch on Sunday. However, he ran air routes on Thursday, and even though he didn’t run into any defenders, he was still moving, so he saw promise for Sunday.
Compared to running mate Tee Higgins, he appeared to be in better shape. Higgins reportedly hurt his hamstring during practice on Wednesday; the injury was so bad that he missed practice on Thursday, and according to at least one published report, he won’t play on Sunday.
Chase felt much better and looser after barely being able to turn his hips when he stumbled out of bed on Monday morning. He said there was a chance he could go on Sunday.
Chase remarked, “Moving is not a problem now.” “I can accomplish something if I can move. An in-game choice. Right now, it’s a last-minute matter.”
Chase stated that he cannot allow Higgins’ standing to affect his own.
Yeah and no. “It’s just about how you handle it and go about it the right way,” Chase stated. “I don’t want to put too much wear and tear on myself for the team just because we have two of our best receivers down right now.” The last Bengals game in which neither Chase nor Higgins played was the 2019 season finale against the Browns, which was won handily by running back Joe Mixon (162 yards).
Chase claims he’s watching this week like wide receivers coach Troy Walters, just in case. Despite playing the entire last two days, rookie wide receiver Charlie Jones (thumb) is not guaranteed to be removed from injured reserve.
“I’m going to try and coach these guys like I’m Troy, too, with my knowledge,” Chase stated. “Let them see what I see, and maybe they will take something away from it. I can assist them in playing as a team. Ultimately, it all comes down to being a good teammate.”
Despite getting hurt in the third quarter of last Sunday’s game, Chase has been nearly as good as Burrow, finishing with four receptions for 41 yards. He is
