The Bengals expressed no concern over wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins’ absence from last week’s practice, noting that their outlook remains positive as they approach the season opener.
Chase and Higgins were back on the practice field Monday. Chase had suffered a knee hyperextension during training, while Higgins continues to manage a heel contusion. Defensive end Shemar Stewart also returned to practice after recovering from a knee injury the previous week, and head coach Zac Taylor indicated that all three players are on track to suit up.
“All three looked good today,” Taylor said during his press briefing. “We’ll hold off on releasing the official injury report until Wednesday, but I’m encouraged by the progress each of them has shown.”
Getting off to a fast start is a priority for Cincinnati, and having Chase, Higgins, and Stewart available for the Week 1 matchup against the Buccaneers would be a significant step toward that goal.