The Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots are set to start the regular season with a Week 1 matchup at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.
This week has been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Bengals. There’s uncertainty around Ja’Marr Chase’s participation due to ongoing contract negotiations. Chase mentioned on Friday that he’s ready to play even without a new deal, but if he does take the field, he might not be at full strength.
In terms of injuries, the Bengals have listed two players as out and have one key player as doubtful for the game.
Here’s the breakdown of injury designations for the Bengals and Patriots:
Bengals vs. Patriots Week 1 Injury Report
Cincinnati Bengals:
- Out:
- OT Amarius Mims (pectoral): Mims, who is the Bengals’ first-round draft pick, and DT Kris Jenkins (thumb), a second-round pick, were both initially participating in practices this week but were downgraded to not practicing on Friday. Mims has been struggling with a pectoral injury that kept him out for part of the preseason, while Jenkins needs thumb surgery.
- Doubtful:
- WR Tee Higgins (hamstring): Higgins seemed fine earlier in the week but now looks unlikely to play after tweaking his hamstring. Coach Zac Taylor mentioned that Higgins’ status could change, and he might be officially ruled out on Saturday.
- Questionable:
- WR Ja’Marr Chase (rest): Chase is listed as questionable due to a “rest” designation, but the underlying issue is his ongoing contract negotiation. He’s expressed willingness to play but could be limited if he doesn’t finalize his new deal.
New England Patriots:
- Out:
- G Sidy Sow (ankle): Sow, who starts at right guard for the Patriots, didn’t practice all week due to an ankle injury. Last season, he allowed five sacks and 27 pressures in 13 games, according to Pro Football Focus.
- Questionable:
- RB Antonio Gibson (hip): Gibson, the backup running back to Rhamondre Stevenson, showed up on the injury report on Thursday and was limited in the final practices of the week.
- LB Joshua Uche (foot) and OT Vederian Lowe (abdomen): Both Uche and Lowe were limited in practice throughout the week.
We’ll keep you updated with any changes to these injury reports as game day approaches.
