During the Cincinnati Bengals' loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, the team also lost its two star offensive targets, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, to injuries. Chase suffered a concussion, while Higgins sustained an adductor injury. There was a chance both Chase and Higgins would miss the Bengals' Week 5 matchup versus the Miami Dolphins set for Sunday, Oct. 11.
But, on Thursday, Chase took a step in the right direction to possibly returning to action. The wide receiver was back at practice on Thursday, ESPN's Ben Baby reported, meaning he's progressing through concussion protocol. Baby noted that Chase is still working through protocol ahead of Sunday's game, so he hasn't fully been cleared to play yet.
But, this is definitely a positive step Chase took to bring hope that he could play on Sunday. Chase left Sunday's loss in the second quarter after he was brought down on a play by Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones pulling him by the face mask. Then, another Jaguars defender tackled Chase when he was already down.
Jones received a face mask penalty, which advanced the Bengals 15 yards. Chase, though, headed off the field on his own accord and missed the rest of the contest. Through four games, Chase has recorded 212 yards and three touchdowns on 21 catches.
He trails Higgins in targets and yards (401). Higgins likely will miss the Game 5 contest as he didn't practice on Thursday, marking his second day in a row. Fox19's Jeremy Rauch reported that Higgins was on the rehab field on Thursday doing some light jogging.
It would be detrimental to the 2-2 Bengals if they play without their top two receivers for any amount of time, even if it's only one game. Cincinnati should be grateful they're playing an 0-4 Miami team this weekend, and not an undefeated team. But, every game matters in the NFL.
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