Latest On Ja’Marr Chase’s Timetable
NOVEMBER 20: Several reports from earlier this week suggested that the goal of a Week 12 return may be overly optimistic. First, ESPN’s Field Yates tweeted that Chase had not yet returned to practice, and then Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that Chase was recently seen on crutches. Florio was clear that the crutches were used as a precautionary measure and were not necessary, but it still created the belief that Chase’s return to action would be delayed.
However, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Sunday that Chase is off crutches and is improving. He will have a chance to practice in the coming week and still might suit up for Week 12 (video link).
NOVEMBER 17: After stringing together back-to-back 130-plus-yard performances, Ja’Marr Chase encountered a hip injury. That issue has shut him down for the past three weeks, but the Bengals did not place their No. 1 wide receiver on IR. The team’s decision to go week-to-week here might end up being prudent.
Coming off their bye, the Bengals are not expected to have Chase available. But the defending AFC champions have zeroed in on a Week 12 matchup against the Titans as a point for a Chase relaunch, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes. The second-year wideout is rehabbing a hip flexor strain sustained in Week 7.
Had the Bengals placed Chase on IR, he would be shut down through at least Week 13. Hopes of a return in time for a playoff rematch against the Titans represent a positive development here. When word of Chase’s hip injury surfaced, the former No. 5 overall pick did not have a firm timetable and was still seeking out information regarding the issue.
Chase played 28 straight games (counting playoff contests) to start his NFL career, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and zooming toward the top tier at the receiver position. After being held under 100 yards in four straight games, he re-emerged with strong performances against the Saints and Falcons, helping the Bengals to 30-plus-point showings in each contest. Chase’s 86.4 yards per game rank seventh in the league this season.
The Bengals’ offense initially flatlined without its star pass catcher, failing to establish much in a blowout loss to the Browns. But Joe Mixon‘s five-touchdown outing against the Panthers led to a Week 9 bounce-back offering. The Ravens lead the Bengals by a game in the AFC North and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. The prospect of Chase coming back before December obviously stands to aid the Bengals in their quest to win back-to-back division titles for the first time since the 1981-82 seasons.
Bengals Activate DT D.J. Reader
D.J. Reader is back. The Bengals have activated the defensive tackle from injured reserve, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic (on Twitter). Cincinnati also promoted wideout Trenton Irwin and punter Drue Chrisman from the practice squad.
Reader inked a four-year, $53MM deal to join the Bengals in 2020. He was limited to only five games during his first season in Cincy thanks to a quad injury, but he returned to start all 15 of his appearances in 2021. The defensive tackle finished the campaign with 43 tackles and a pair of sacks, and he added another 12 tackles and a sack in four playoff starts. Thanks to his regular season performance, Pro Football Focus ranked him ninth among 108 qualifying interior defenders.
The 28-year-old started each of the Bengals’ first three games this year, compiling 10 tackles. He suffered an MCL injury in September that shelved him for a few months, but he returned to practice earlier this week and is now in line to take the field tomorrow in Pittsburgh.
Chrismas is getting a chance to be Cincinnati’s punter despite Kevin Huber‘s presence on the roster. According to Dehner (on Twitter), Chrismas will have a chance to earn the full-time gig, and Huber has “been in the loop”on the team’s plan. Huber’s 2022 salary is guaranteed regardless of how things unfold. Huber has struggled this season, with his 43.2 yards per punt misrepresenting his lowest average since 2010. Chrismas, a 2021 UDFA out of Ohio State, has spent the majority of his career on the Bengals practice squad.
Irwin has earned promotions in each of the Bengals’ last two games following Ja’Marr Chase‘s injury. The 26-year-old wideout has gotten into 11 games in four seasons with the Bengals, collecting six receptions (including three this season).
Bengals Designate DT D.J. Reader, KR Brandon Wilson For Return
Coming out of their bye week, the Bengals opened the practice windows for two key contributors. Both D.J. Reader and Brandon Wilson returned to practice Monday, clearing a path to Week 11 returns.
A third-year Bengals defensive tackle starter, Reader has been down since late September due to an MCL injury. Having the veteran starter back would obviously bolster Cincinnati’s defense. Wilson could boost the defending AFC champions’ special teams. He has been on the team’s reserve/PUP list all season but is in the final stages of recovering from the ACL tear that ended his 2021 campaign. This might not be a lengthy ramp-up period, with Zac Taylor indicating (via The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., on Twitter) optimism a Week 11 return could happen.
Given a four-year, $53MM deal to come over from Houston in 2020, Reader has started 23 Bengals games. The Bengals pivoted to a more aggressive free agency blueprint that year, which coincided with Joe Burrow‘s rookie contract hitting the team’s books, and Reader has been one of the centerpieces of this strategy adjustment. The plus run defender has not disappointed.
Although Reader suffered a quadriceps injury that knocked him out for 11 games in 2020, he returned to be a pivotal performer on the Bengals’ Super Bowl LVI-bound defense. When he suffered the knee malady this year, Pro Football Focus had him tops among interior D-linemen in run defense. Reader’s return alongside B.J. Hill would strengthen a Bengals defense that has been gashed by Alvin Kamara and Nick Chubb during Reader’s absence.
Wilson missed the team’s Super Bowl climb, having gone down nine games into the 2021 season. The veteran return man will have missed over a year of action. Wilson, who notched kick-return touchdowns in 2019 and 2020, has been the Bengals’ primary kick returner over the past three seasons.
Reader and Wilson, both 28, have three weeks to be activated. No activation in that timeframe would lead to a season-ending IR stay. Cincinnati has five injury activations remaining. Reader and Wilson, both 28, represent prime candidates to count against the team’s eight-activation limit. Ja’Marr Chase is also likely to rejoin the team later this season, but the Bengals did not place their star wide receiver on IR, preferring to go week-to-week here.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/7/22
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Promoted: WRs DeSean Jackson (story), WR Binjimen Victor
- Placed on IR: WR Rashod Bateman (story)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Waived: DT Domenique Davis
Detroit Lions
- Waived: WR Stanley Berryhill
Las Vegas Raiders
- Placed on IR: LB Divine Deablo
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from IR: DB P.J. Williams
- Placed on IR: LB Chase Hansen
- Signed to active roster: WR Kevin White
- Elevated: RB Jordan Howard
New York Giants
- Designated for return: G Shane Lemieux
- Placed on IR: DT Nicholas Williams
Lemieux has been out since September 2021. A severe knee injury paused Lemieux’s career, sidelining him after he had commandeered a starting job. The Giants drafted Lemieux in the 2020 fifth round and turned to him as a starter for much of his rookie season. But the team’s new regime addressed the interior line extensively this offseason, signing Mark Glowinski and Jon Feliciano before drafting Joshua Ezeudu and Marcus McKethan.
The Giants, however, lost McKethan for the season and are without starting left guard Ben Bredeson. The team having Lemieux and former center starter Nick Gates, who also battled back from a severe injury, back will provide some options for Brian Daboll up front. Bredeson, whom the team placed on IR last week, will be a candidate to be one of Big Blue’s injury activations later this season.
Panthers Activate QB Sam Darnold
The Panthers have added another name to the mix regarding their fluid quarterback situation. The team announced on Monday that Sam Darnold has been activated from IR. This will be their second activation of the year. 
Carolina had until this Wednesday to make the move. If not, Darnold would have been ineligible to return this season. Interim head coach Steve Wilks‘ comments on the matter left the situation somewhat murky, but it comes as little surprise that Darnold will be available moving forward after his return to practice.
The 25-year-old suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason, leading to the expectation of a prolonged absence to begin the campaign. That opened the door to offseason trade acquisition Baker Mayfield having an even firmer grip on the starting QB job in the opening weeks of the season, but he struggled mightily before suffering the same injury himself. P.J. Walker took over the No. 1 role for the next three games.
His level of play left Mayfield on the bench despite retuning to health, until halftime of yesterday’s blowout loss to the Bengals. Walker had guided one of the worst offensive performances through two quarters in franchise history, leading Wilks to replace him with Mayfield for the remainder of the game. That move left the starting spot wide open in advance of Carolina’s upcoming Thursday night game against the Falcons. Darnold – who, like Mayfield, is a pending free agent – will now factor into the team’s plans in the coming days.
In other Panthers news, more changes have been made along the team’s coaching staff. Cornerbacks coach Evan Cooper and defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni were fired today, as detailed by ESPN’s David Newton. Cooper had been one of several assistants with ties to Matt Rhule, and his job description included a scouting role. He will be jointly replaced by defensive staffer Bobby Maffei and interim defensive coordinator Al Holcomb. Pasqualoni, 73, has five years of DC experience in the NFL; this was his first season in Carolina. Don Johnson and assistant d-line coach Terrance Knighton will occupy his vacated role.
These moves come less than one month after Rhule and DC Phil Snow were fired, of course, as the turnover in the organization continues. With a new configuration on the sidelines, and, potentially, another new face under center, the 2-7 Panthers will host the Falcons to begin Week 10 as they hope to rebound from yesterday’s loss.
Minor NFL Transactions: 11/5/22
We’ll keep track of today’s minor moves here:
Arizona Cardinals
- Promoted: P Nolan Cooney, DL Manny Jones
Carolina Panthers
- Promoted: S Marquise Blair, RB Spencer Brown
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed to active roster: DT Domenique Davis
- Promoted: CB Allan George, WR Trenton Irwin
- Placed on IR: CB Chidobe Awuzie (story)
Detroit Lions
- Signed to active roster: WR Stanley Berryhill
- Promoted: WR Brandon Zylstra, TE Shane Zylstra
Indianapolis Colts
- Promoted: RB Phillip Lindsay, RB Jordan Wilkins
Los Angeles Chargers
- Promoted: K Cameron Dicker, WR Keelan Doss, CB Kemon Hall
- Placed on IR: TE Donald Parham Jr.
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed to active roster: OL Chandler Brewer
- Promoted: TE Jared Pinkney, RB Ronnie Rivers
- Activated from IR: LB Travin Howard
Miami Dolphins
- Promoted: OT Kion Smith
Minnesota Vikings
- Promoted: WR Dan Chisena, TE Nick Muse
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: TE Kenny Yeboah
- Promoted: T Conor McDermott
Seattle Seahawks
- Promoted: LB Josh Onujiogu
Tennessee Titans
- Promoted: QB Logan Woodside, DT Larrell Murchison
Washington Commanders
- Promoted: FB Alex Armah, LB Nathan Gerry
Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie Suffers Torn ACL
The Bengals lost a key divisional game last night, along with an integral member of their defense. It was feared after the contest that cornerback Chidobe Awuzie had suffered an ACL tear; as confirmed (on Twitter) by Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer, that is indeed the case. 
The news means that Awuzie will be sidelined for the remainder of the season, and marks a major blow to the AFC champions. He played a key role in the team’s secondary last season, his first in Cincinnati after signing a three-year deal worth over $21MM. That marked the end of his Cowboys tenure, during which he established himself as a full-time starter.
During the Bengals’ run to the divisional title, and, ultimately, the Super Bowl, the 27-year-old established himself as the team’s No. 1 corner. He set new career highs in interceptions (two) and pass breakups (14), leading to high expectations in 2022. The former second-rounder had played in every game so far this season, notching 35 tackles and one forced fumble. He also continued his stellar play in terms of coverage statistics.
Without Awuzie, the Bengals’ corner depth will severely tested. Veteran Eli Apple and rookie Cam Taylor-Britt had been in a competition for a starting role, but both will likely be leaned upon to play significant snaps going forward. Tre Flowers could also see an uptick in usage as a result of the injury, after playing primarily on special teams this season.
Overall, the news is not encouraging considering Cincinnati only ranked mid-pack in terms of pass defense with Awuzie in the fold. The Bengals are surrendering an average of over 210 yards per game (15th in the league), a figure which is now in jeopardy of increasing significantly over the remainder of the season. The defense as a whole has been average in most categories, a troubling sign given the inconsistencies the offense has dealt with so far.
Still, the team sits at 4-4 midway through the year, so a playoff berth in an AFC featuring few true heavyweights will be attainable. Returning to the postseason, and replicating last year’s success, however, will now be more difficult.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/31/22
Today’s minor transactions:
Baltimore Ravens
- Released: CB Daryl Worley
Cincinnati Bengals
- Promoted: DT Domenique Davis, WR Trenton Irwin
Cleveland Browns
- Signed to active roster: CB Thomas Graham Jr., CB Herb Miller
- Promoted: LB Dakota Allen, TE Miller Forristall
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Claimed off waivers (from 49ers): G Blake Hance
Los Angeles Chargers
- Designated for return: TE Stone Smartt
San Francisco 49ers
- Released: WR Willie Snead
Tennessee Titans
- Waived: DB Ugo Amadi
Zac Taylor: WR Ja’Marr Chase Won’t Be Placed On IR
It sounds like there’s some optimism around Ja’Marr Chase‘s ability to return from a hip injury. Zac Taylor told reporters that his star receiver will not be placed on injured reserve,per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic on Twitter. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport clarifies (on Twitter) that Chase is now considered week-to-week.
This is an about-face from what we heard the other day. Chase’s hip flexor strain was expected to keep him off the field for at least four weeks, making an IR stint likely. It never sounded like surgery was an option, which provided a bit of hope that the WR would simply return whenever he felt good enough to play. Ultimately, the Bengals are banking on Chase being ready to go at some point over the next four contests.
Chase has already been ruled out for Monday’s game against the Browns, and it seems unlikely he’ll take the field in Week 9. The Bengals have a bye during Week 10, so perhaps the organization is eyeing a Week 11 or Week 12 return.
“The timing,” Taylor said when asked about the decision to keep Chase off IR (via Dehner on Twitter). “The bye week helps. The overall prognosis of how it could play out factors in to that.”
Chase suffered the injury back in Week 6 against the Saints. He still managed to take the field for Week 7, hauling in eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Fortunately for the Bengals, the team has a relatively deep grouping of receivers to help pick up the slack while Chase is out of the lineup. Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd will lead the way, but Cincy is also rostering the likes of Trent Taylor, Mike Thomas, and Stanley Morgan.
2022 NFL Cap Space, By Team
Days away from this year’s trade deadline (3pm CT, Nov. 1), a few teams have made some in-season moves to bolster their rosters. Several squads have also restructured contracts this season to create additional space. That extra room will matter as most teams will consider adding or subtracting costs before Tuesday’s deadline.
Here is how teams’ cap-space numbers (courtesy of OverTheCap) look ahead of the deadline:
- Cleveland Browns: $33.72MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $10.35MM
- Carolina Panthers: $9.79MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $9.71MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $9.47MM
- Denver Broncos: $7.79MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $7.69MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $7.23MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $7.16MM
- Chicago Bears: $7.08MM
- Green Bay Packers: $6.6MM
- Miami Dolphins: $6.16MM
- New York Jets: $5.71MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $4.97MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $4.95MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $4.93MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $4.76MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $4.3MM
- Washington Commanders: $4.26MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $3.86MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $3.71MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $3.67MM
- New Orleans Saints: $3.61MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $3.31MM
- New York Giants: $3.26MM
- Detroit Lions: $3.25MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $3.07MM
- New England Patriots: $2.19MM
- Houston Texans: $2.09MM
- Buffalo Bills: $1.93MM
- Tennessee Titans: $1.59MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $852K
The Browns have held the top spot for months, and the gulf between their cap-space figure and the field almost certainly stems from a desire to carry over cap space before Deshaun Watson‘s cap number spikes from $9.4MM to a runaway-record $54.99MM. Cleveland has recently been linked to creating more cap space. Interest has come in for Greedy Williams, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Kareem Hunt. Although the Browns did not grant Hunt’s summer trade request, it may now take only a fourth-round pick for Cleveland to deal its backup running back.
Another potential seller could move up on this list while creating some additional space in 2023. The Broncos are believed to have made Jerry Jeudy available. Unlike fellow trade chip Bradley Chubb, Jeudy is under contract for 2023 (on a $4.83MM cap number). Denver appears more likely to move Chubb. That departure would remove the franchise tag from the team’s equation in 2023 — barring a tag for fellow 2023 UFA-to-be Dre’Mont Jones — thus freeing up more free agency funds. It will be interesting if the Broncos, if they are to move Chubb, agree to eat much of his fifth-year option salary. George Paton‘s club took on most of Von Miller‘s 2021 money to increase draft compensation.
The Eagles are still near the top despite acquiring Robert Quinn. Philadelphia is paying just $684K of Quinn’s contract, which now runs through 2022 instead of 2024. Chicago is on the hook for $7.1MM. The Bears are on track to have a gargantuan lead on the field for 2023 cap space. They are projected to hold more than $125MM next year, according to OverTheCap.
New Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney checks in at just $784K on their 2022 cap sheet. The former Giants first-rounder’s figures bump to $1.9MM (2023) and $2.53MM (’24). Kansas City recently restructured Travis Kelce‘s deal, creating some wiggle room for the Toney addition. The Chiefs, who did not touch Patrick Mahomes‘ deal this year, restructured Kelce’s contract twice in 2022. Thursday’s trade hit the Giants with a $2.33MM dead-money charge. Toney will count $3.67MM in dead money for the Giants in 2023.
The Panthers picked up nearly $19MM in 2022 dead money via the Robbie Anderson and Christian McCaffrey trades. Unlike the Eagles and Bears, last week’s Panthers-49ers McCaffrey swap did not involve Carolina taking on additional salary. McCaffrey’s offseason restructure dropped his 2022 base salary to the league minimum; the 49ers have him on their books at just $690K. McCaffrey’s record-setting extension will still represent $18.35MM in dead money on the Panthers’ 2023 cap, but his nonguaranteed base salaries from 2023-25 ($11.8MM, $11.8MM, $12MM) transferred fully from Carolina to San Francisco.
On the subject of 2022 dead money, the Bears lead the way with $80.32MM. The Falcons added to their total this month, however, by trading Deion Jones to the Browns. That deal saddled the Falcons with $11.38MM in additional dead money — accompanying the franchise’s record-setting Matt Ryan dead-money hit ($40.53MM) — and ballooned Atlanta’s overall total to $78.57MM. Ryan is off the Falcons’ books after this year, but Jones will carry a $12.14MM dead-money figure in 2023.