Bengals vs. Patriots Inactives: Ja’Marr Chase’s suspension still isn’t enough for Jermaine Burton to play

Jermaine Burton still can’t even dress for the Cincinnati Bengals.

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) walks the sideline in the second quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.
© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals are getting ready for kickoff against the New England Patriots. Before the game begins, each team has released its inactive players list.

Here are the Bengals players who will not play against the Patriots:

  • WR Jermaine Burton
  • QB Sean Clifford
  • TE Cam Grandy
  • DE Trey Hendrickson
  • RB Samaje Perine
  • DE Cam Sample

Jermaine Burton remains inactive despite Ja’Marr Chase’s suspension

Ja’Marr Chase’s one-week suspension could’ve given second-year wide receiver Jermaine Burton a chance to dress for the first time this year, but he remains a healthy scratch. He’s been inactive for every game week this season.

Cincinnati will roll with just four receivers without Chase. Mitchell Tinsley is expected to play a notable role in replacing the offense’s No. 1 wideout, and the return of tight end Mike Gesicki, who essentially plays the role of a slot receiver, will have a part to play in that as well. Gesicki has not played since Week 6.

Trey Hendrickson still out with hip/pelvis injury

Hendrickson has also been out since Week 6, and it doesn’t sound like his return is imminent. He hasn’t practiced since he aggravated his hip/pelvis injury back in Week 8 and was listed as “doubtful” for the last two weeks by head coach Zac Taylor.

Isaiah Foskey was signed from the practice squad to the active roster to help round out the defensive end group.

Expert analysis on Bengals’ Week 12 inactives vs. Patriots

  • Samaje Perine is missing his second consecutive game with an ankle sprain he suffered in Week 9 against the Chicago Bears. Expect another heavy workload for Chase Brown, with Tahj Brooks and Gary Brightwell backing him up.
  • Sean Clifford remains the emergency backup third quarterback on the roster with starter Joe Flacco dealing with an AC joint sprain. Clifford will likely be booted off the roster once Joe Burrow is activated off the Reserve/Injured list.

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