The Cincinnati Bengals watched their wide receiver bounce back from a two-catch opener in dramatic fashion against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Just days after a practice injury sparked concern across the franchise, the Pro Bowl pass-catcher delivered a multi-touchdown performance that reminded the league of his offensive value.
Overcoming the Practice Scare in Cincinnati
The momentum toward Sunday’s breakout almost derailed during a Tuesday practice session when Ja’Marr Chase left the field early following a deep pass attempt from quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase fell awkwardly on the turf and limped off under his own power, later describing the mishap as a left knee hyperextension.
“Just a football play. A misstep, missed my footing. Just a little tweak, but I’m fine.”
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Although team trainers evaluated him on the sideline and coaching staff pulled him from further drills as a precautionary measure, Chase insisted he wanted to keep playing and would have suited up if the team had a game the next day. The Bengals held him out of Wednesday’s workout without any protective knee brace or wrap, pointing toward rest rather than structural damage ahead of the regular season.
Bouncing Back From a Quiet Week 1 Opener
The physical scare followed an unusually quiet start to the campaign. During Cincinnati’s home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chase was held to just two catches for 12 yards. While teammates like tight end Mike Gesicki and running back Chase Brown carried the offensive load in that victory, the lack of targets for the star wideout drew immediate attention from head coach Zac Taylor’s staff.
Rather than expressing frustration publicly, Chase adopted a professional approach to his limited production. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Houston matchup, he emphasized accountability.
“I held my attitude accountable. I didn’t flip. I didn’t do no extra stuff. I acted like a pro. End of the day, I just wanted to win … I didn’t say nothing to nobody. I’m coming into work. That’s all I got to do.”
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Spectacular Touchdown Grabs Dismantle Houston Defense
That measured mindset paid dividends in a defensive battle against the Texans. With both teams locked in a scoreless tie late in the second quarter, Joe Burrow targeted his top receiver on a first-and-10 from the 32-yard line. Matched up one-on-one against former LSU teammate Derek Stingley Jr., Chase adjusted his body in mid-air along the right sideline, secured the deep pass, and dragged his toes in bounds for his first touchdown of the season.
The connection struck again in the third quarter. As Burrow scrambled away from pressure, he spotted Chase streaking across the end zone and delivered an 18-yard strike between two Houston defenders. That second score extended the Bengals’ lead to 17-3, capping off an afternoon where Chase finished with six receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns.
The performance re-established the rhythm for a player coming off a dominant 2025 campaign in which he caught 125 passes for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns, earning his second consecutive first-team All-Pro selection. With the Texans matchup secured, Cincinnati turns its attention toward a Week 3 road trip to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium.
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