Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase became the NFL story on Thursday as the Bengals prep for “Monday Night Football” against the Cleveland Browns.
Chase won’t be able to suit up for that game and potentially quite a bit more as he battles a hip injury that could keep him out for four to six weeks.
The return timetable for Chase, when factoring in a bye, is all over the place. Part of that is because it’s simply unknown how long it will take the bone to heal. But the good news is there haven’t been any rumblings about surgery or shutting him down for year.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable reactions after the news went live.
The Ja'Marr Chase injury doesn't have to be punishment. It can be a catalyst for growth. This team has been over reliant on him at times.
— Mike (@bengals_sans) October 27, 2022
What if I told you Ja’Marr Chase had a fractured hip and did this? pic.twitter.com/wtj1DI7Jn2
— Barstool Cincinnati (@UCBarstool) October 27, 2022
Let’s be real: you’re not replacing Ja’Marr Chase. Ain’t happening.
The offense will simply have to be more efficient at running the football and getting easier yards with short stuff.
— Andrew Russell (@Andrew_Russell7) October 27, 2022
Tyler Boyd so far this season:
* Has run a route on 83% of Joe Burrow dropbacks
* 3rd in NFL in yards per target (13.7)
* 29th among 96 qualifying WRs in PFF's grades
* Had only seen a 14% target share, Ja'Marr Chase was at 27% https://t.co/JgAXolJpTq— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 27, 2022
With Ja'Marr Chase reportedly out 4-to-6 weeks, there's a huge ripple effect.
Tee Higgins will likely assume the most responsibility. You're now reliant on his ability to make catches over the middle and on the sideline.
Now, every team will probably double team him.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 27, 2022
There’s a difference between thinking the Bengals can get through the next few weeks without Ja’Marr Chase and thinking the Bengals can win a title if his absence is prolonged.
— Mo Egger (@MoEgger) October 27, 2022
There’s never a good time to lose Ja’Marr Chase, but a stretch of at Cleveland, vs. Carolina, bye, then at Pittsburgh is about as good as one can hope for.
— Matt Deadwards (@MattEdwards) October 27, 2022
Not to act as if a Ja’Marr Chase injury isn’t a big deal, but guys; pic.twitter.com/eDpLSaLTRT
— Jack 💥 (@Cincinneumeyer) October 27, 2022
Really bummed about Ja'Marr Chase. Love watching him play. Loved handing him Sporting News Rookie of the Year at the Super Bowl.
Think Bengals just need to hope his hip will be OK for the Chiefs game. So do we as NFL fans!
— SN's Vinnie Iyer (@vinnieiyer) October 27, 2022
I just greatly enjoy watching Ja’Marr Chase play football, so this is a bummer.
This is not the end of the season.
This is not the downfall of the Bengals.
The best is STILL yet to come.
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) October 27, 2022
Fascinated to see how defenses approach the Bengals offense without Ja’Marr Chase.
— Willie Lutz (@willie_lutz) October 27, 2022
Hopefully Ja'Marr Chase will be able to make a full recovery sooner rather than later.
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) October 27, 2022
Among the many sad parts of the Ja'Marr Chase news is that the #Bengals were really going for it in terms of passing. Had mostly given up on run game.
But without Chase, we are adjusting their playcalling projections back down toward neutral. https://t.co/XcqJpTWwUJ
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 27, 2022
Ja'Marr Chase was the receiver who moved all around the field. Now, that's Tyler Boyd (who also will probably face a ton of double teams).
You need 2019 and 2020 Tyler Boyd making corners miss as a route runner and making safeties miss for YAC.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) October 27, 2022
Ja’Marr Chase can have my hip.
— Drew Garrison (@DrewGarrison) October 27, 2022
I dropped my newborn when I read that Ja‘marr Chase news
— Jay (@2xIsGone) October 27, 2022
Ja’Marr Chase the Cincinnati Bengals fanbase loves you. We hope you have a speedy recovery. We’re already counting down the days until you cook defenses again
— Christineee (@christineee4646) October 27, 2022
Ja'Marr Chase being out tells me Burrow's MVP campaign will take off immediately. Believe
— The German Bengal🐅🇩🇪 (@DerGermanBengal) October 27, 2022
not ja’marr chase bro pic.twitter.com/vozXfsppQb
— Linda™ (@Lindellions) October 27, 2022
Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase have connected for seven TDs on passes 20+ yards downfield in the regular season since the start of 2021. That's the most by any QB-receiver duo in the NFL. https://t.co/fXBH473i6V
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 27, 2022
