It’s been a tough week for the Cincinnati Bengals, as three of their key players have been ruled out for the remainder of the season. Wide receiver JaâMarr Chase, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, and cornerback Trae Ivey have all been diagnosed with shoulder injuries that will keep them out of action for the remainder of the year.
Chase, the Bengals’ first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, has been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. He has caught 31 passes for 474 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie campaign. His absence will be felt on the field, as he was quickly becoming one of the team’s top offensive weapons.
Reader and Ivey have also been key contributors this season. Reader has been a force on the defensive line, recording 25 tackles and two sacks in nine games. Ivey has been a reliable presence in the secondary, recording 33 tackles and two interceptions in 11 games.
The loss of these three players is a major blow to the Bengals’ playoff hopes. With only four games remaining in the regular season, it’s unlikely that the team will be able to make up for their absence.
It’s a heartbreaking situation for all three players, who had been having strong seasons before their injuries. The Bengals will now have to rely on their depth players to step up and fill the void left by Chase, Reader, and Ivey. It’s a difficult situation for the team, but they will have to find a way to move forward without their three key contributors.
