Report: Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase expected to miss Week 16 at Steelers

Despite missing the majority of crunch time during Saturday's game against the Vikings, there was a sense of optimism when it came to Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase's availability against the Steelers.  However, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, that optimism has turned to doubt following an MRI.  Here is the latest on the superstar WR […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
Add as preferred source on Google
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) is pulled down by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and safety Damontae Kazee (23) in the first quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.
© Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite missing the majority of crunch time during Saturday's game against the Vikings, there was a sense of optimism when it came to Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase's availability against the Steelers. 

However, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, that optimism has turned to doubt following an MRI. 

Here is the latest on the superstar WR following more testing:

Ja'Marr Chase Expected To Miss Steelers Game 

This is the nearly the opposite of what Rapoport's initial report on Sunday stated. Chase was said to be "day-to-day" with an AC joint sprain, and head coach Zac Taylor relayed the same in describing Chase's injury as well.

Chase's MRI taken Monday has clearly changed the situation. 

The Bengals had already placed both DJ Reader and DJ Ivey on the Reserve/Injured list Monday afternoon. The idea of losing Chase for one week or more while they've got a 35% chance at making the postseason is anything but comforting.

John Sheeran, A to Z Sports Cincinnati 

Chase was largely held in check during the Week 12 matchup between both squads, with Pittsburgh holding the dynamic wideout to a modest four receptions and 81 yards, which is a win given Chase's history against the black and gold. 

But Chase is much more than a box score player. He is one of the few non-quarterbacks in the league that can sway betting lines, seeing as he dictates coverage and determines game plans with the best of them. 

His absence will be notable, as it levels the playing field in a must-win game for both sides.