Attention, fantasy football managers: It appears the Cincinnati Bengals‘ dynamic duo – Ja’Marr Chase and Joe Burrow – could be back in action for the team’s primetime game on Thanksgiving.
The Bengals are slated to face off on Turkey Day for the first time since 2010 against AFC North opponent, the Baltimore Ravens. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. The Nov. 27 matchup also marks the Bengals-Ravens’ first meeting of the 2025-26 season.
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The Bengals were without Chase for the team’s loss to the New England Patriots due to suspension, and WR Tee Higgins has been ruled out of the Thanksgiving game with a concussion. So, can Cincinnati fans and Chase fantasy managers count on WR1 to get back on the field this week? And what about Burrow? Here’s what we know.
Will Ja’Marr Chase play on Thanksgiving?
Ja’Marr Chase was absent from the Bengals last matchup. Will he return on Thanksgiving?
Yes. The Bengals’ No. 1 receiver is set to return to the field during Cincinnati’s primetime matchup against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night.
Chase has only missed six games since the team made him a first-round draft pick in 2021.
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Why was Chase absent from the Bengals-Patriots game?
The Bengals’ star wide receiver was absent from the team’s Week 12 matchup against the New England Patriots due to a suspension.
Chase was suspended for one game for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey during an altercation in Pittsburgh’s 34-12 Week 11 win.
Chase denied spitting on Ramsey, but Ramsey said Chase spit on him before Ramsey was ejected, and Fox 19 video via Twitter/X of the incident supported Ramsey’s claim.
“During the fourth quarter, Chase spit on Pittsburgh cornerback Jalen Ramsey, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,'” the NFL said in a statement announcing Chase’s suspension.
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ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said he thought Chase should get an automatic two-game suspension; however, he will take the field against the Ravens in Baltimore.
Will Joe Burrow suit up against Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving?
Joe Burrow is expected to make his long awaited return to the football field on Thanksgiving Day against the Baltimore Ravens, Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor said Nov. 24.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he anticipates franchise quarterback Joe Burrow to start against the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night.
“I anticipate him playing, but we’ll continue to work through the week,” Taylor said on Nov. 24.
This will be the first time Burrow plays since Sept. 14, when the Bengals beat the Jacksonville Jaguars. Burrow underwent toe surgery on Sept. 19 after suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury that week.
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Taylor said veteran quarterback Joe Flacco will serve as Burrow’s backup.
Tee Higgins among several players to miss Bengals vs. Ravens game
Receiver receiver Tee Higgins will be among several players missing the team’s Thanksgiving night game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and running back Tahj Brooks also will miss the game, according to Taylor.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) is carted off of the field after suffering a concussion on a play in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium.
In a scary moment during the fourth quarter, Bengals receiver Tee Higgins landed hard on the back of his head while trying to make a catch. Higgins left on a cart and was declared out with a concussion.
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Taylor was asked how Higgins is doing.
“I don’t want to speak for him,” Taylor said. “It was obviously a tough one. So, that’s where we’ll land.”
Contributing: Kelsey Conway and Dave Clark.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How long is Ja’Marr Chase suspended? Will he play on Thanksgiving?