The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with a major injury issue leading into the Week 8 Monday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase suffered a hip injury in the Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons.
The injury could potentially send him to injured reserve.
Though the extent and duration of his recovery are not yet known, Chase will not be facing the Browns on the Halloween edition of MNF.
What It Means
It is a definite complication for the Bengals.
However, they are the reigning AFC Champions and have a lot of talent on the roster beyond Chase.
Though Chase is the leader in receiving yards, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are also having great seasons.
For the Browns, Denzel Ward, who has been very successful against the Bengals receivers, remains in the concussion protocol so it is unclear if he will be cleared in time for Monday night.
Ward has not played since Week 5.
The Browns Will Be Challenged
Don’t be tempted to think this development with Chase makes the Browns’ path to victory that much easier.
The Browns still have to fix the problems that have cost them close games.
Besides, the Bengals are likely tired of hearing how they are 0-4 against their interstate rival since Joe Burrow came into the NFL.
They have an axe to grind and a score to settle, and prime-time football on Halloween night in Cleveland is the perfect time to do it.
As for the Browns, they have to win this game in order to stay competitive in the AFC North.
Chase’s absence adds more drama to an already exciting Monday night matchup.
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