Injury Questions Could Reshape Bengals-Dolphins Matchup

The Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals enter Sunday’s 1 p.m. game at Hard Rock Stadium with important injury questions, but Cincinnati’s uncertain receiving corps carries the greatest potential to alter the matchup.

Bengals Update

Bengals receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are questionable. Chase progressed from not practicing Wednesday to limited work Thursday and full participation Friday while returning from a concussion. Higgins, dealing with groin and neck issues, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday but was a full participant Friday. Both appear to have a path to playing, although their availability must be confirmed through the inactive list.

Their presence matters because Cincinnati’s offense flows through quarterback Joe Burrow and his top two targets. The Bengals average 24.3 points and 277.5 passing yards per game. Chase and Higgins force defenses to protect every level of the field, which could strain a Miami secondary already missing depth. Safety Kyle Dugger is out for Cincinnati, while safety Bryan Cook and linebacker Swayze Bozeman are questionable.

Miami Update

Miami has already ruled out edge rusher Rob Beal Jr., receiver Caleb Douglas, tight end Justin Joly and cornerback Reese Taylor. Cornerback Storm Duck also is listed as questionable on the Dolphins’ official report. Linebacker Jackson Woodard and running back Jaylen Wright are questionable, creating uncertainty at two positions where Miami can ill afford to lose more depth.

Wright’s status is especially relevant because De’Von Achane is on injured reserve. Ollie Gordon II is expected to lead the backfield after rushing for 100 yards against Minnesota, but Wright would give Miami another runner and a possible kickoff-return option. Woodard’s availability would reinforce a linebacker group built around Jordyn Brooks, Willie Gay Jr. and rookie Jacob Rodriguez.

Offensive tackle Austin Jackson and defensive backs Julius Brents and Dante Trader Jr. finished the week as full participants without game designations, while defensive lineman Kenneth Grant is questionable. That is encouraging for a Miami team trying to avoid a 0-5 start.

The final answers arrive 90 minutes before kickoff. If Chase and Higgins play, Miami’s young secondary faces its most difficult assignment of the afternoon. If either is limited or inactive, the Dolphins can devote more attention to Burrow, tighten coverage and increase their chances of keeping the game within reach.