Bengals Suffer Major Blow Ahead of Steelers Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers will avoid the Bengals' biggest star.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a must-win game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, but their AFC North rivals will likely be without one of their biggest stars. 

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is expected to miss Week 16 after separating his shoulder in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings. Following an MRI early in the week, the team does not believe Chase will be available against the Steelers and possibly beyond. 

#Bengals star WR Ja'Marr Chase is likely to miss some time, sources said after the MRI on his separated shoulder today.

The expectation is that he is sidelined for this week’s game against the #Steelers, and it could extend beyond that, as well.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2023

This season, Chase has caught a career-high 93 catches for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns. Even without Joe Burrow, the team has climbed their way into the 6th seed in the playoff race, with a pivotal game against the Steelers upcoming. 

Pittsburgh will face a Cincinnati team that is already without Burrow and also lost defensive tackle D.J. Reader to a groin injury in Week 15. 

The Bengals will turn to Tee Higgins as their top wide receiver, with Tyler Boyd as their No. 2. Tight end Tanner Hudson and running back Joe Mixon will also be in the mix for Cincinnati as receiving options. 

Meanwhile, the Steelers are without Minkah Fitzpatrick (knee) against the Bengals, and are monitoring several other injuries as well. 

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