Update on injuries: Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals is expected to be available for play.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is expected to make a comeback this week, playing against the Kansas City Chiefs after sitting out one game due to a shoulder injury, according to a report by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, citing a source.
Chase, a two-time Pro Bowler, had limited practices on Thursday and Friday and took part in the team’s Saturday walkthrough, as mentioned by Rapoport. Prior to the game, Chase made notable comments about the Chiefs’ secondary, stating on Thursday that nothing particularly stood out to him about their defensive unit. He asserted that the Chiefs’ secondary tends to double-cover everyone since they can’t handle one-on-one matchups.
Despite his critical remarks, Chase did express admiration for one of the Chiefs’ defenders, cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Sneed, who did not practice throughout the week due to a calf injury, showed significant improvement on the last day and is considered a game-time decision, according to Rapoport.
The last encounter between these two teams was in the AFC Championship, where Chase contributed six catches for 75 yards in a Cincinnati defeat. This time, the Chiefs are on the verge of securing another AFC West crown with a victory, while the Bengals are in a playoff battle, holding a 24% chance to extend their season as the current No. 9 seed in the conference.
The Cincinnati Bengals (8-7) and the Kansas City Chiefs (9-6) are set to kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET with significant playoff implications.
Here’s a roundup of other key injury updates ahead of Sunday’s Week 17 games:
– Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, who was dealing with an illness, is feeling better and is expected to play against the Eagles, according to a report from Ian Rapoport.
– Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet, recovering from a knee issue, is expected to be in action against the Falcons, as reported by Rapoport.
– Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who has been dealing with an illness, is expected to play.
However, wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. is not expected to play against the Chargers due to a hamstring injury, as reported by Rapoport.
– Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman, recovering from a concussion and shoulder issue, has cleared protocol and is expected to play against the Raiders, per Rapoport.
– Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, who is dealing with a hip injury, is expected to play against the Giants, according to reports from Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
– Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, who has knee and ankle injuries, is expected to miss Sunday’s game against the Ravens, as reported by Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
– Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, who is nursing an ankle injury, is expected to play against the Packers, according to Rapoport.
– New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara, who was dealing with an illness, is set to play against the Buccaneers, according to Rapoport.
– Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, dealing with a shoulder and illness, and wide receiver DK Metcalf, with a back issue, are both in good shape to play against the Steelers, according to Rapoport.
