TL;DR
- Joe Burrow returns for the Cincinnati Bengals after a Week 2 injury.
- Key players Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton, and Trey Hendrickson are out with injuries.
- Ja'Marr Chase returns from suspension, expected to connect with Burrow frequently.
- Bengals' offense, including tight ends and reserves, faces pressure due to defense's struggles.
Tonight, the Cincinnati Bengals will see Joe Burrow return for the first time since Week 2, but the team is grappling with numerous other injuries, particularly among its wide receivers.
Tee Higgins won't play because of a concussion, and Jermaine Burton has been sidelined with an ankle injury. This adds to the absences of running back Tahj Brooks, who also has a concussion, and defensive standout Trey Hendrickson, who is out with a hip injury.
With these injuries, Burrow will need to rely on Cincinnati's reserves as the Bengals aim to end a four-game losing skid. Ja'Marr Chase, having completed his suspension last week, is set to return. Considering the past and the established connection between Chase and Burrow, former college teammates, anticipate frequent and early connections between them on Thursday night.
The passing game will probably involve tight ends Mike Gisecki and Noah Fant.
Additionally, other options available to the receiver include Andrei Iosivas, who recorded four catches last week, and Mitchell Tinsley, who saw a career-high six targets last week and secured his second touchdown of the season.
Charlie Jones is set to climb the depth chart, entering the game as Cincinnati's WR #4.. Jones has not yet caught a pass this season.
With The Cincinnati defense surrendering the most points in the NFL, the offense, led by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, will face immense pressure to maintain a high scoring rate.
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