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Ja’Marr Chase Returns After Left-Knee Hyperextension in Practice

8/26/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Chase Leaves Practice

Ja'Marr Chase left practice early after a left-knee hyperextension.
He told reporters he felt fine and could play if a game occurred tomorrow.
He walked to the sideline unaided.
He signed a four-year, $161 million contract extension in March 2025.
He won the NFL receiving triple crown in 2024, the Bengals’ first.

Summary

Bengals Add Defense

Bengals added defensive players this offseason to improve a unit that missed three straight playoffs.
Cincinnati’s final preseason game at Philadelphia on Aug. 28 precedes a regular-season opening vs. Tampa Bay on Sept. 13.
Head trainer Matt Summers briefly evaluated Chase after the incident before he returned to the sideline.
Safety Bryan Cook, cornerback Dax Hill and Shemar Stewart had injuries, while Stewart recovered from a hyperextended knee.

Summary

Chase Scores

Chase scored the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Week 18 loss to Cleveland on Jan 4 2026.
The Browns secured a 20-18 victory with a last-second field goal.
Bengals will rest most starters, including Chase, in the preseason finale against the Eagles.
The Week 18 loss left the Bengals needing a win in their final regular-season game to clinch a playoff spot.

History

Historical Context

In 1989 the Bengals, after a 12-4 season and MVP Boomer Esiason, fell 20-16 to Joe Montana’s 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII, their second title loss in eight years. The franchise’s later swings—long playoff drought ending in 2021—show how big contracts and injuries shape chances, echoed today as star receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s four-year extension meets a knee hyperextension that threatens the 2024 playoff push.

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Chase Leaves Practice

Ja'Marr Chase left practice early after a left-knee hyperextension.
He told reporters he felt fine and could play if a game occurred tomorrow.
He walked to the sideline unaided.
He signed a four-year, $161 million contract extension in March 2025.
He won the NFL receiving triple crown in 2024, the Bengals’ first.

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