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The Cincinnati Bengals will play the rest of the season in Week 18 against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers and will reportedly have running back Chase Brown available despite the injury he suffered near the end of the regular season in Saturday's win over the Denver Broncos.
“He suffered a sprained ankle,” NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. “… My understanding is that this is not considered a major injury, so he does, in fact, have a chance to play next week.”
Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz added that Brown was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain following an MRI and that the running backs are “determined” to play in Week 18.
That's welcome news for the Bengals, as Brown has been excellent this season with 1,350 yards and 11 touchdowns from scrimmage.
His injury came during a questionable stretch for head coach Zac Taylor, as the Bengals had 1st-and-goal from the Broncos' 6-yard line in the final two minutes with the game tied and could have taken a knee and run down the clock before kicking the game-winning field goal. games.
Instead, they ran twice with Brown injured and Joe Burrow scoring to give Denver more time. Denver took full advantage of that time and scored a touchdown on a stunning catch by Marvin Mims Jr., though the Bengals won in overtime thanks to Barrow's touchdown pass to Tee Higgins.
Cincinnati now needs a win over Pittsburgh combined with a Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs to have a chance at the playoffs. They also need the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts to each lose or tie at least one of their last two games.
Kansas City clinching the No. 1 seed is unfortunate news for the Bengals, as the defending champions could rest Patrick Mahomes and others against the Broncos to prepare for the playoffs.
The good news for Burrow's team is that Brown could be available against the Steelers. If not, look for Khalil Herbert to take over the lead guard duties for the regular season finale.
