Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Not Ruled Out vs. Steelers Amid Shoulder Injury, HC Says

Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor said it remains possible wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase will play in Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers despite a shoulder injury.

Taylor told reporters Chase would not practice Tuesday but they will "see as the week goes" in determining his status.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Chase suffered a sprain of the AC joint in his right shoulder in Saturday's win over the Minnesota Vikings. Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report reported Chase is expected to miss "at least one week," and that his status for both the Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 are in doubt.

The odds are still against Chase playing, but it's easy to see why he'd be pushing to be on the field. Cincinnati has surprisingly reeled off three straight victories to move to 8-6 and currently sits in the second AFC Wild Card spot despite losing quarterback Joe Burrow for the season.

Backup Jake Browning has been a revelation, and Chase is on pace for his first 100-reception season. Chase has totaled 93 catches for 1,156 yards and seven touchdowns while appearing in all 14 games despite dealing with occasional nagging injuries.

Tee Higgins, who himself has been suffering through injuries this season, would step into the WR1 role if Chase is unable to go.