The Cincinnati Bengals enter Week 5 with two uncertain receiver decisions and one clear fantasy football priority. Managers should monitor Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins while preparing Dohnte Meyers as the strongest replacement candidate against the Miami Dolphins.

Both Bengals stars remain questionable heading into Sunday’s matchup at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, giving managers an early opportunity to confirm availability and adjust their lineups.

In typical 12-team, full-PPR leagues, Meyers deserves a roster spot for managers needing insurance. Starting him requires a separate decision based on which Bengals receivers actually play.

Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins injuries leave Bengals fantasy decisions unsettled

Chase suffered a concussion during Cincinnati’s Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He missed Wednesday’s practice, participated on a limited basis Thursday and practiced fully Friday.

That progression offers encouragement, but full participation does not replace concussion protocol clearance. The Bengals’ Friday update still placed Chase in protocol, so managers should wait for confirmation before treating his availability as settled.

Higgins carries groin and neck injuries. He missed Wednesday and Thursday before practicing fully Friday, yet retained his questionable designation.

Neither player has a confirmed snap restriction. Managers should avoid turning injury uncertainty into an unsupported prediction about reduced workloads.

If both are active without reported limitations, Chase and Higgins belong in starting lineups. Their availability would substantially weaken the case for starting Meyers.

Dohnte Meyers offers Bengals’ strongest replacement option

Meyers provides evidence beyond an opening on the depth chart. Against the Jaguars, he caught seven of nine targets for 82 yards while playing 68 offensive snaps.

He enters Week 5 with 11 receptions for 129 yards on 16 targets. His recent involvement gives managers a reasonable basis for expecting opportunities if Cincinnati loses either starting receiver.

Joe Burrow strengthens that case. Through four games, he has thrown for 1,171 yards and seven touchdowns on 157 attempts. That averages approximately 39 attempts per game, although managers should not assume last week’s 54 throws will repeat.

Opportunity remains the argument for Meyers. His reception volume makes him more appealing in full-PPR leagues than formats that place less emphasis on catches.

In half-PPR or standard leagues, prioritize projected yardage and touchdown opportunities when comparing replacements. An increase in receptions alone should carry less weight in those decisions.

If one star misses Sunday, Meyers becomes a viable flex candidate. If both miss, he moves into stronger flex or WR3 consideration. Those recommendations reflect potential volume rather than a guarantee of another productive afternoon.

Mitchell Tinsley belongs behind Meyers in fantasy plans

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Tinsley caught three of seven targets for 49 yards vs. the Jaguars. That workload puts him on the radar, but his limited established production makes him a deeper-league emergency option.

Andrei Iosivas is unavailable on injured reserve with a thumb injury. Colbie Young is questionable with a knee injury and finished the practice week limited, making him another uncertain alternative.

Mike Gesicki could also attract additional targets, but managers should evaluate him at tight end.

Miami’s winless record does not make every Bengals replacement a strong fantasy start. If Chase and Higgins sit out, the Bengals could struggle to sustain drives and create scoring opportunities.

Add Meyers where depth permits, particularly in leagues with 14 or more teams. Keep Tinsley as the secondary contingency and check Sunday’s inactive list before committing.

The best fantasy response is preparation followed by confirmation. Start the available stars, upgrade Meyers when absences support it and avoid confusing additional snaps with guaranteed points.