How long is Ja'Marr Chase out? Latest injury updates, timeline for return to Bengals

Zac Al-Khateeb

How long is Ja'Marr Chase out? Latest injury updates, timeline for return to Bengals image

This story has been updated from a previous version.

The Bengals are expected to be without Ja'Marr Chase, the team's top offensive weapon and one of the NFL's top pass-catching threats, for several weeks.

The second-year receiver is dealing with a hip injury suffered in his and Joe Burrow's Week 6 return to New Orleans. He had seven receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns in the 30-26 victory over the Saints, and exhibited no obvious injury during or after the game.

He reportedly exacerbated his hip further in Week 7 against the Falcons, against whom he had another eight catches, 130 yards and two touchdowns. Following that game, Chase saw a hip specialist to determine the severity of his injury and whether he would need surgical intervention.

The Bengals reportedly will not place Bengals on Injured Reserve, which would mandate he miss at least four weeks of the season. That said, he is still expected to be out several weeks as he recovers from the issue.

MORE: Bengals WR depth chart: Joe Burrow has options after Ja'Marr Chase injury

The Sporting News breaks down Chase's injury and his status, which could keep him out for several weeks.

How long is Ja'Marr Chase out?

Several reports indicate Chase will not need surgery to repair his hip and will not be placed on Injured Reserve. That said, he is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter:

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com also reported that Chase would not require surgery for his injury.

Depending on how quickly he heals from the injury, Cincinnati could expect him back as soon as Week 11 against the Steelers or as late as Week 13 against the Chiefs. As reported by Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Bengals hope Chase's physical makeup will lend itself to a shorter recovery period.

The defending AFC champion Bengals are 4-3 on the season and in second place in the AFC North, behind the Ravens. Cincinnati plays four AFC teams over the next six weeks, including two in the division (Browns in Week 8 and Steelers in Week 11).

Update: Schefter reports that Chase, despite a good week of practice, is expected to miss his fourth straight game heading into Week 12.

The Bengals (6-4) take on the Titans (7-3) in a rematch of the AFC playoffs in 2022. Cincinnati has gone 2-1 in Chase's absence, losing only to the Browns before turning around consecutive victories over the Panthers and Steelers in Weeks 10 and 11, respectively.

MORE: Ja'Marr Chase injury update: Bengals star wide receiver to miss multiple weeks

Bengals WR depth chart

Chase leads all Bengals players in targets (74), catches (47), yards (605) and touchdowns (six). While Cincinnati will be without its top playmaker, it still has several receivers who can step up in his absence.

Those include Tee Higgins (31 catches, 455 yards, two touchdowns), Tyler Boyd (29 catches, 455 yards, three touchdowns) and tight end Hayden Hurst (29 catches, 226 yards, two touchdowns). Running back Joe Mixon also has 405 yards (3.3 yards per carry) and two touchdowns this season.

Player Place on depth chart
Ja'Marr Chase 1 (injured)
Tee Higgins 2
Tyler Boyd 3
Mike Thomas 4
Stanley Morgan 5
Trent Taylor 6

Zac Al-Khateeb

Zac Al-Khateeb Photo

Zac Al-Khateeb has been part of The Sporting News team since 2015 after earning his Bachelor's (2013) and Master's (2014) degrees in journalism at the University of Alabama. Prior to joining TSN, he covered high school sports and general news in Alabama. A college sports specialist, Zac has been a voter for the Biletnikoff Award and Heisman Trophy since 2020.