Ja'Marr Chase Avoids Serious Injury After Left Knee Scare at Bengals Practice

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase described his left knee injury as a hyperextension following a practice incident on Tuesday.

CINCINNATI -- Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase confirmed he is "fine" after suffering a left knee hyperextension during Tuesday's practice session. The two-time All-Pro was attempting to catch a deep pass from quarterback Joe Burrow down the right sideline while matched up against cornerback DJ Turner II when the injury occurred. Chase limped off the field under his own power before undergoing a brief evaluation by Matt Summers, the team’s head athletic trainer. Despite the scare, the wideout remained on the sideline for the duration of the workout to observe his teammates.

Chase enters the 2026 season holding the second-highest average annual value among NFL wide receivers following a four-year, $161 million contract extension signed prior to 2025. The former No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 draft currently ranks fourth in Bengals franchise history with 520 total receptions and fifth in receiving yards with 6,837. In 2024, he achieved the receiving triple crown by leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, earning him one of his three career Pro Bowl selections.

Practice Incident and Recovery Status

The injury took place as Chase adjusted his stride for Burrow’s pass, causing his knee to buckle slightly. DJ Turner II immediately checked on the receiver, later noting that at that moment, the next play did not matter. Although Chase expressed a desire to return to the session immediately, he noted that team officials will determine his workload for the remainder of the preseason. The Bengals have one exhibition game remaining, a road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles scheduled for Friday.

Cincinnati’s training camp has seen several players managing health concerns. Safety Bryan Cook, who has been nursing a soft-tissue injury, returned to team drills on Tuesday. Cornerback Dax Hill continues to undergo rehabilitation for his own soft-tissue ailment. Additionally, defensive end Shemar Stewart is making progress after suffering a hyperextended left knee on the first day of camp. These players are working toward the team's regular-season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 13.

Roster Health and Preseason Strategy

The Bengals opted to sit all starters during their second preseason game, which resulted in a victory over the Chicago Bears. During Tuesday's practice, fellow wide receiver Tee Higgins also sat out, characterizing his absence as a veteran rest day. During the session, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II was seen conversing and laughing with Chase on the sideline, signaling a shift in the afternoon's initial tension.

Chase’s importance to the roster was highlighted by Turner, who smiled when asked about the team's ability to play without the star receiver, stating simply that the team cannot lose him. The wideout remains a central figure in an offense that has seen him earn All-Pro honors in back-to-back seasons. While the specific cause of the buckle remains uncertain, Chase reiterated that the issue is not considered very serious as the team prepares for its final preseason trip to Philadelphia.