CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Monday that Ja’Marr Chase remains in the concussion protocol and Tee Higgins will be monitored day to day as Cincinnati begins preparing for its trip to Miami.
Chase left Sunday’s 22-17 loss to Jacksonville in the second quarter and did not return. Higgins produced 11 catches for 157 yards after Chase’s departure but was injured late in the fourth quarter.
Taylor said the Bengals expect to have a clearer picture of both receivers’ availability when they return to practice Wednesday.
“We’ll take them day to day,” Taylor said. “Ja’Marr is still in the protocol. We’ll see where they’re at on Wednesday.”
Tee Higgins #5 of the Cincinnati Bengals is attended to by training staff after an injury during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Paycor Stadium on October 04, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
The uncertainty comes as the Bengals try to respond from a second straight loss and an offense that produced only 10 rushing yards against the Jaguars. Taylor said the run game fell short in every phase and that responsibility belongs to both the coaches and players.
“It was not a good enough performance,” Taylor said. “We got to be better.”
He said Cincinnati does not plan a wholesale overhaul of its ground attack but will use the first four games to identify what best fits the offense.
“You’re finding what your identity is going to be for the year,” Taylor said. “We’ll be smart enough to adjust and do what’s best for our offense to score points.”
Taylor praised quarterback Joe Burrow’s work on the final two drives despite two interceptions earlier in the game. Burrow threw for 428 yards as he tried to lead a comeback, but the Bengals’ final drive ended one yard short on fourth down.
Taylor also highlighted the work of Mitchell Tinsley, who was signed from Houston’s practice squad last week and was pressed into a larger role after the injuries to Chase and Higgins.
Tinsley had to line up at several receiver spots as Cincinnati adjusted its personnel, but Taylor said the former Bengal handled the challenge well.
“Mitch is here because he’s dependable for us,” Taylor said. “He’s a really hard worker, takes advantage of his opportunities.”
Taylor said the Bengals have confidence in their receiver depth, including practice squad players Jordan Moore and Noah Jones, if more help is needed. He added that injured receiver Colbie Young is progressing faster than initially expected.
The Bengals also are monitoring safety Kyle Dugger on a week-to-week basis and will evaluate Bryan Cook’s status Wednesday. Taylor said he was encouraged by how several players in the secondary handled expanded roles against Jacksonville.
“They rose to the challenge,” Taylor said. “We’re going to need that depth over the course of the season.”
Cincinnati, now 2-2, will visit the Dolphins on Sunday.