Coach Zac Taylor's Cincinnati Bengals are 4-2 on the season heading into a Week 8 clash against the reeling Tennessee Titans amid concerns about Ja'Marr Chase's injury status. Chase missed practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury during a period when some of his teammates decided to engage in bonding activities off the field.
Bengals players were filmed walking through a haunted house, an outing that led to tense, fear-tinged moments that were captured on camera and shared to social media.
Chase's injury could be a tough one to overcome, but quarterback Joe Burrow's team has a decided edge over coach Robert Saleh's Titans, who are 1-6 on the season and stuck in the basement of the AFC South.
Chase has proven himself to be an emotional leader, as evidenced by a recent speech, but if he can't go, the Bengals will need a team effort from fellow receivers including Tee Higgins, the team's leading receiver, Mike Gesicki at tight end, running back Chase Brown and others.
The Bengals' running game also needs some extra juice with Brown and Samaje Perine leading the team in rushing this season. Brown has averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, while Perine has averaged 4.1 yards per carry but isn't the same threat in the passing game.
The Bengals' off-field activities led up to a game against the Titans that few view as scary, in contrast with the haunted house they visited. If Chase can't go, Burrow and company could face some scary moments, but they seem more equipped to handle them in the wake of their recent bonding activities.