Cincinnati just got hit with a double-whammy that nobody wants to see. Ja’Marr Chase, their superstar receiver, went down with a high-profile injury during the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and then, almost quietly, Tee Higgins got banged up too, even returning for a play before getting shut down. There’s no word yet on how long these two Bengals stars will be out, but the 2-2 squad cannot possibly roll out with Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley as their top two receiving options. It’s a full-blown crisis, especially with Andrei Iosivas on injured reserve and rookie Colbie Meyers also hurt. This team needs help, and fast.
The Immediate Disaster and Desperate Need
Seriously, two of your top guys, gone? That’s brutal. With Chase and Higgins sidelined, the Bengals are looking at Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley as their primary targets, and let’s be real, that’s not going to cut it for a team with playoff aspirations, even this early in the season. You’ve also got Andrei Iosivas sitting on injured reserve and rookie Colbie Meyers also banged up. The depth chart is absolutely decimated, and the coaching staff has to be scrambling to figure out what their next move is. They’ve gotta look at every single free agent and trade option out there because their season could easily spiral without some serious talent injected into that wide receiver room.
Who’s Out There? From Old Friends to Big Swings
So, what are their options? The names circulating are pretty interesting. You’ve got guys like **Trenton Irwin**, an old friend who spent 2019-2024 in Cincinnati. At 30, he’s not flashy, but he knows the system and could offer some immediate depth. Then there’s **Curtis Samuel**, a former Ohio State standout who’s been plagued by health issues. He had a $24 million contract in Buffalo in 2024, played just six games in 2025, and got cut this past March. Taking a flier on him as a depth option could be a smart, low-risk move.
On the trade front, **Jerry Jeudy** is a name that pops up. Trading with an AFC North rival like the Cleveland Browns seems unlikely, but he’s a former first-round pick with experience. He’s only seen eight targets in four games this year, so maybe they could get him cheap. The real wildcard, though, is **Marvin Harrison Jr.** People are already calling him a bust. The fourth pick in 2024 has totally fallen short of expectations, with only five catches on 12 targets through four games, even with a touchdown in Week 4. He’s regressed from his rookie year and looks lackadaisical on routes. A change of scenery could spark him, but his top-five rookie contract and a potentially high asking price are huge hurdles.
But then there’s **DeAndre Hopkins**, and this feels like the most realistic and compelling option. We all heard all offseason about how Hopkins wanted to play with Joe Burrow. Now’s the time, right? He’s 34 and apparently dabbling in coaching, but bringing him in for a workout, maybe a practice squad spot that leads to a game-day elevation, makes a ton of sense. He saw limited action last year in Baltimore but still snagged 22 passes for 330 yards and two scores. Adding him as a current target, and a fourth wideout once everyone’s healthy, just makes too much sense, and his contract wouldn’t be huge. The Bengals need a spark, and Hopkins could deliver one, fast. They have to make a move.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply