The Bengals’ new quarterback, Joe Flacco, will have one of the NFL’s best receivers as a target in his debut with the team. All-Pro receiver Ja’Marr Chase is expected to play on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, according to sources close to the team. Chase was officially listed as questionable for this weekend’s game after suffering an illness on Thursday. He participated in the team walkthrough on Friday morning before being sent home for team practice, according to coach Zac Taylor.
Last season, Chase was named to the NFL All-Pro team and won the receiving triple crown by leading all players in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions. This season, Chase is in the top 10 in receptions and receiving yards despite the absence of quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been on injured reserve since suffering a toe injury in Week 2. Flacco, whom the Bengals acquired via a trade this week, will be the third quarterback to throw to Chase this season. Flacco replaces Jake Browning, who started in each of the team’s last three losses in Burrow’s absence. In his first comments since the trade, Flacco said it was exciting to see Chase and his Bengals wide receiver teammate, Tee Higgins, and that as Cincinnati’s new starting quarterback, his job is to get them the ball.If he can play, he can play.
Zac Taylor
Those guys are two of the best in the world at what they do. If you can’t throw to them and get on the same page as them, then you’re in trouble.
Joe Flacco
