News Article
Published
Oct 11, 2026 at 11:33 AM EDT
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both got hurt in last week’s loss to Jacksonville.
Chase left with a concussion, and Higgins hurt his adductor on one of the final plays. The Cincinnati Bengals injury report later listed Higgins’ injury as groin and neck.
Neither player practiced Wednesday. On Thursday, Chase was limited while Higgins sat out again, which made Higgins look like the bigger concern. But both were full participants Friday and were listed as questionable.
Chase was still in concussion protocol Friday, and he needed to be cleared. Higgins was labeled day-to-day. Still, seeing both back at practice was seen as a good sign, and on Sunday morning ESPN's Adam Schefter made it official, reporting that both Chase and Higgins are set to play against the Dolphins.
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Getting both stars back is a massive boost for Cincinnati, especially Joe Burrow. He threw for 428 yards last week even without his top two receivers for much of the game, but they remain two of the best in the NFL, and their connection with Burrow is what makes this offense so dangerous.
It also means fewer targets for Dohnte Meyers, Mitchell Tinsley, and tight end Mike Gesicki, who stepped up in their absence. Chase Brown could benefit too, since the Dolphins' defense will have to respect the two deep threats.
The Dolphins are beatable through the air. They’re 0-4 and just let Kyler Murray throw for 247 yards on them, 119 of which went to tight end T.J. Hockenson. The week prior, Patrick Mahomes put up 246 yards and two touchdowns against Miami, led by Rashee Rice with 88 yards on seven catches.
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This is a must-win game for both teams. The Dolphins are still searching for their first win of the season and another loss at home would be brutal. The Bengals, meanwhile, are 2-2 and need to keep pace in a competitive AFC North division, with both the Browns and Ravens 3-1.
Cincinnati is listed as 7-point favorites with a 44.5-point over/under.