Bengals receivers
Bengals receivers
Even with a defense that received upgrades, the Cincinnati Bengals will rely on their offense to carry the 2026 season. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are the unit’s top two targets. They’ve also spent the last week focused on rehabbing injuries instead of practicing with teammates.
Chase and Higgins have yet to return to full work. Chase suffered a knee injury attempting to catch a pass last week while Higgins is missing time with a heel bruise. On Wednesday, reporter Yanni Tragellis offered a team health update noting that Chase and Higgins sat out the session.
#Bengals practice 9/2:
– Ja'Marr Chase (knee)/Tee Higgins (heel contusion) still not practicing, but expected to be ready to go by week 1
– Shemar Stewart (knee) returned to practice for the first time since July 29. Would be a big boost for the Bengals d-line if Stewart is… pic.twitter.com/iD1EpgqpD5
— Yanni Tragellis (@yannitragellis) September 2, 2026
Thursday’s practice was light and held indoors with Chase and Higgins spending the brief time with trainers, per Joe Danneman.
Bubble day for the Bengals.
Looks like a vet day for Dexter Lawrence.
Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins appear to be headed to the rehab field. pic.twitter.com/3zD7PmBC98
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) September 3, 2026
Chase and Higgins are still expected to play in Week 1. But the Bengals don’t have to issue an official injury report or game status until next week. Being without one, or both, players would be a severe absence for the offense. Last year, Chase dominated with 125 receptions, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns. Higgins led the team with 11 scores and averaged more than 14 yards on 59 reception. Both were productive despite Joe Burrow missing more than half the season.
The Bengals have missed the playoffs for three-straight seasons with results a far cry from their 2021 Super Bowl appearance and follow-up conference title game showing in 2022. Last year, the team bottomed out to 6-11 due to Burrow’s injury and a defense that, at times, was historically bad.
Pittsburgh plays Cincinnati in Weeks 3 and 10. In 2025, Chase torched the Steelers for a franchise-record 16 receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown in the team’s first meeting. Held in check for the rematch, his biggest storyline came after spitting in Jalen Ramsey’s face and receiving a one-game suspension for it. Higgins found the end zone in both contests to give him six career touchdowns versus the Steelers.
Cincinnati opens the season hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chase and Higgins figure to be available for Week 1 but Bengals fans will breathe a little easier once both are full practice participants.