The Bengals will leave Week 15 facing lingering questions regarding star receiver Ja’Marr Chase following his exit during Saturday’s game against the Vikings.
Chase was forced to leave late in the fourth quarter after Cincinnati ruled him out with a shoulder injury. The two-time Pro Bowler appeared to sustain the injury after hauling in a contested 24-yard catch with less than a minute left in regulation.
After walking to the sidelines in noticeable pain, Chase, who grabbed at his shoulder/chest area after the catch, eventually left for the locker room with trainers.
Chase later returned to the Bengals sideline wearing a hoodie with his right arm tucked inside, a sign that the 23-year-old is dealing with enough pain to keep him out of the pivotal home matchup.
Prior to exiting, Chase appeared on track for another standout outing, securing all four of his targets for 64 yards.
Cincinnati outlasted Minnesota 27–24, winning in overtime.