Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Mixon status vs. Chiefs updated by pregame reports

As expected, it sounds like the Cincinnati Bengals will have star wideout Ja’Marr Chase back on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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But the same doesn’t apply to running back Joe Mixon.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Chase is indeed expected to play against the Chiefs. That vibes with what Chase had revealed about his injury this week and the fact he had his first full-go practice to end the week.

More noteworthy at this point is this writeup about Mixon from Schefter: “Doctors still have not cleared Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon to play Sunday vs. the Chiefs, per source. Mixon remains in concussion protocol and would have to be cleared Sunday to play vs. the Chiefs. If Mixon cannot play, the Bengals would lean once again on RB Samaje Perine.”

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport then reported that all signs point to Mixon missing the game.

Cincinnati’s game against the Chiefs is a late afternoon kickoff (4:25 p.m. ET) so there’s perhaps a chance Mixon still receives clearance. But this late in the process, the Bengals could always err on the side of caution even if he does receive clearance.

Luckily for the Bengals, a surging offensive line and strong play from Samaje Perine have carried the rushing attack with Mixon out.

Expect more updates on these fronts a few hours before kickoff when inactives usually go public.