Cincinnati Bengals News

Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is worth waiver-wire consideration ahead of Week 6, despite his team's bye week. Perine put together a productive rushing line (14/68) in Cincinnati's win against the Dolphins last Sunday. In fact, he was more involved in the Bengals' ground attack than backfield mate Chase Brown (13/39), and pushed the latter to below a 70% snap share (60%) for the first time all season. While the role reversal is likely a one-off, Brown has been somewhat underwhelming as a rusher over five weeks. He'll likely keep his stellar role in the passing game, but if the veteran continues to outshine him in efficiency, Perine could carve out a bigger workload. The 31-year-old is a nice deep-league stash through Cincinnati's bye.

The Cincinnati Bengals shifted to a higher rate of shotgun, downhill runs in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. The shotgun formation fits backup running back Samaje Perine's skill set better, and his powerful running style resulted in 4.9 yards per carry on 14 attempts. Perine's 57.1% success rate tied for the most of any back in the NFL last weekend. Brown, meanwhile, saw 13 carries for only 39 yards (3.0 yards per attempt) while catching three of his four targets for 21 yards as a receiver. Perine had one more carry than he had in the first four games combined, and he had one more rushing attempt than Brown. There have been 182 runs of at least 14 yards in the NFL so far this year, but the Bengals are the only team without one. "I think we'll continually assess how that touch share between (Perine) and Chase Brown should play out," offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. "Every game's different." Brown will continue to have a major role in Cincy's backfield, but how opponents play the Bengals could determine how the Bengals dictate the usage of Perine versus Brown. He should continue to be a must-start in all fantasy lineups, especially when considering that his 24 catches are the second-most of any RB in the NFL through five weeks.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (pectoral) suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season, his agent told WLWT's Charlie Clifford. Hudson only had seven receptions for 33 yards and one touchdown in four games played this year with the Bengals, but it is a big loss in the team's TE corps behind starter Mike Gesicki. The good news for the Bengals is that they have a deep group of tight ends behind Gesicki, which also includes Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. Hudson had the best season of his career in 2023 in his first year with the Bengals, catching 39 of his 50 targets for 352 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played. He has never scored more than two touchdowns in any of his eight seasons in the league, but he is a well-respected pass-catching backup TE when he is healthy.

Across five games so far in 2026, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine has recorded 171 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 34 touches. The veteran back has largely operated as the clear RB2 in Cincinnati behind Bengals RB1 Chase Brown. However, Perine played a much larger role in the Cincinnati offense in Week 4, logging 78 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 16 touches. At 31 years old and now in his 10th NFL season, Perine may not offer fantasy managers much high-end upside. Still, Brown is currently averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and has logged just one touchdown through five games. If the Bengals start to shift more work onto Perine's plate, he could have some standalone appeal in the right matchups while playing within Cincinnati's explosive offense. In deeper fantasy league formats, Perine could be worth targeting on the waiver wire coming out of Week 5.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught six of his 10 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins. Chase suffered a concussion in Week 4, but he managed to clear protocol in seven days and was able to continue producing as a strong WR1 this Sunday. The 26-year-old is now up to 27 catches, 289 yards, and two touchdowns through five games this season. He's headed for a bye in Week 6, but he'll return on the other side of the off week as a high-end WR1 who should be started in all fantasy leagues. As long as quarterback Joe Burrow stays healthy, Chase will continue to be a top fantasy weapon while proving that he can coexist alongside another high-scoring receiver, Tee Higgins.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin/neck) was held to just two receptions for 22 yards (11.0 yards per catch) on four targets in a 31-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. The receptions and yardage totals were both season lows for Higgins, but quarterback Joe Burrow also threw for a season-low 190 yards. Higgins is dealing with injuries to his groin and neck, and entered the game with a questionable tag after missing practice on Thursday and Friday before logging a full session on Friday. There were questions regarding whether or not Higgins would be on a snap count against the Dolphins, but he played 45 out of 64 offensive snaps for the Bengals (70.3%). Higgins was behind fellow wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (77) and tight end Erick All Jr. (25) in receiving yards on Sunday. However, Higgins leads Cincinnati in receiving yards with 423 and has recorded a touchdown in 2026. He will remain a must-start fantasy football wide receiver following the Bengals' Week 6 bye week.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown was unable to find much success during Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Brown carried the ball 13 times for 39 yards, while hauling in three passes for 21 yards in the victory. He also lost a fumble during this game, which didn't help his case. Backup Samaje Perine actually did better with 68 rushing yards on 14 carries in this one. Normally, Perine doesn't see much action, but they likely decided to give him a bigger role because of Brown's struggles. The Bengals are heading into a bye now, so we'll see if Brown has a reduced role during the Week 7 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin) is officially active on Sunday for the Week 5 game in Miami against the Dolphins, but the NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that he could have some snap-count limitations in the game. Both Higgins and star wideout Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) were questionable for this contest, but they will both be active. Higgins told Wolfe that he is good to go, but Wolfe was told that the Bengals will keep an eye on his snaps, and he will play mostly "meaningful plays" as he deals with a groin injury. The 27-year-old might not be on the field as much as his fantasy managers would like, but it does not mean that Higgins cannot put up meaningful numbers against the winless Dolphins in South Beach. Through four games so far in 2026, the former Pro Bowler has caught 25 passes for 401 yards and one touchdown. He went off in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, catching 11 of his 16 targets for 157 yards after Chase left with a concussion. Higgins is definitely more volatile this week, but he should be in most starting fantasy lineups now that he is officially active.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin, neck) is active for Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Higgins opened the week trending in the wrong direction, as he missed back-to-back practices. However, he upgraded to a full participant on Friday, allowing him to enter the weekend listed as questionable. In the end, he will play against a very weak Dolphins team. The 27-year-old has been highly productive so far this season, ranking as the overall WR7 in PPR leagues with 25 catches, 401 yards, and one touchdown. Just last week, with teammate Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) exiting early, Higgins saw a whopping 16 targets. Much like Higgins, Chase has been cleared to play this week, leaving him as a WR1 while Higgins falls in the WR2 range for fantasy football.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) will play in Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Chase left last Sunday's game early, and although he was officially listed as questionable heading into Week 5, he's going to suit up after clearing the multi-stage concussion protocol in just seven days. Chase will now look to capitalize on a highly enticing matchup against a very weak Dolphins team. The game script could end up becoming too positive for Chase to handle consistent playing time in the second half, but he should still have more than enough time to put up WR1-caliber numbers throughout the first couple of quarters.

The Cincinnati Bengals did not elevate any wide receivers from the practice squad to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's Week 5 contest against the Miami Dolphins, according to Ben Baby of ESPN.com. Given that teams often use practice squad elevations to provide depth and security when rostered players are at risk of missing a game, fantasy managers should feel encouraged about the statuses of Ja'Marr Chase (concussion), Tee Higgins (groin, neck), and Colbie Young (knee). Of course, the lack of an elevation does not necessarily guarantee those players will suit up, so managers should check for a status confirmation from the team 90 minutes before kickoff on Sunday. With that being said, between Chase and Higgins both logging full practices on Friday and the Bengals opting not to add anyone at the position, we feel very optimistic about both receivers' outlooks for Week 5 against Miami. If they play, Chase is an undisputed WR1 in fantasy football while Higgins is a high-volume WR2 option.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Mitch Tinsley could take on a significantly larger role in Week 5, putting him on the WR3/flex radar for fantasy football. The Bengals have plenty of injury question marks right now, with the two biggest being Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (groin, neck). Receiver Colbie Young (knee) is also questionable. As it stands, Higgins seems to have a better chance to play than Chase , and losing both would be devastating for Cincinnati. The good news is that the Bengals likely have some wiggle room to work with as they take on the Miami Dolphins. If one of Chase or Higgins plays, Tinsley may have trouble carving out a substantial role. However, if they're both out, Tinsley would look to replicate last week's seven-target outing, putting him on the WR3/flex radar.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Dohnte Meyers will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Meyers flashed his potential in last week's 17-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. After Ja'Marr Chase left the game early with a concussion, Meyers caught seven of his nine targets for 82 yards. The rookie finished second on the team in receiving yards and third in targets. With the possibility of the Bengals being without one or both of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins due to injury, Meyers should be viewed as an important stash heading into the weekend. If Cincinnati is down either of their top pass catchers, Meyers would automatically vault into flex consideration. The 26-year-old showed some burst in the opportunities he was given last week, and he could very well break off a big play if given the chance. The Miami Dolphins defense certainly won't be able to stop the Bengals offense, so Meyers should produce with the targets he's given. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on game-day actives and inactives because Meyers could be a player to plug into lineups just ahead of kickoff.

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson will face the Miami Dolphins on the road in Week 5. McPherson has been the model of consistency, knocking through all his kicks again in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cincinnati kicker nailed his lone 29-yard field goal attempt and both of his extra point attempts against the Jaguars. McPherson will have the opportunity to score more points this week at Miami. The Dolphins offense has been far below league average, and their defense has arguably been worse. The Bengals are listed as heavy road favorites with a high probability of blowing out the Dolphins. If the Bengals put forth a strong offensive performance, like they are certainly capable of, then McPherson should be kicking often throughout this weekend's contest. The Bengals offense will be without several key contributors, but should be able to get things rolling without them. McPherson is ranked K3 in our RotoBaller Week 5 rankings, making him one of the best kicker options this week.

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki will take on his former team as the Bengals travel to Miami in Week 5. Gesicki was fantasy relevant again in last week's loss, catching three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. The veteran tight end now has three touchdowns on the season, catching one in three of the first four games this year. The one game where he did not catch a touchdown, Gesicki did not have a single reception. While that one goose egg game is concerning, he's been involved in every other game. Gesicki will get the opportunity to be fantasy relevant again in a revenge game against his former team. The Miami Dolphins will host Cincinnati on Sunday in a game where the Bengals are heavy road favorites. Gesicki will also get the chance to step up in the potential absence of Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins. With both wide receivers questionable, quarterback Joe Burrow should pepper Gesicki with targets throughout the contest. Gesicki is ranked TE19 in our RotoBaller Week 5 PPR rankings, but those rankings may not reflect the uptick in usage he should get without the two wideouts active. Gesicki should be considered a strong start at the tight end position with enough upside to be in the flex conversation this weekend.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown should be ready to get a large volume of touches as the Bengals head to Miami to face the Dolphins. Brown had an inefficient day on the ground last week, rushing nine times for just 10 yards in the 17-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The back salvaged his fantasy day with elite usage through the air, catching 11 passes for 71 yards on 11 targets. Things should be easier for him as the Bengals take on one of the league's worst defenses in Week 5. The Dolphins defense has not been able to stop anyone on the ground or through the air so, it should be smooth sailing for Brown this weekend. Brown could also benefit from the absence of Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins due to injury, opening up more opportunities for fantasy success. Brown is ranked RB5 in our RotoBaller Week 5 PPR rankings, making him a strong start at the position. Fantasy managers should start Brown with confidence this week despite his slow start to the season.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was listed on the injury report this week with a groin injury and is questionable to play this weekend. Higgins did not participate in practice Wednesday or Thursday before logging a full practice on Friday. Full participation on Friday is a good sign for his availability, but he is not guaranteed to play. If he does play, Higgins will have a juicy matchup on the road against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins defense has been one of the most exploitable units this season and the Cincinnati offense can certainly take advantage of that. With fellow receiver Ja'Marr Chase listed as questionable with a concussion, Higgins could be in line for the WR1 role. The Bengals are heavy road favorites and quarterback Joe Burrow will likely pepper Higgins with targets if he's out there. Higgins should be viewed as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside if he suits up. Fantasy managers should be excited for the matchup, but have contingency plans in case Higgins sits out.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) may be available to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Chase was injured early in last week's contest when his helmet was grabbed and pulled backwards then his head hit the ground as he was tackled. Since being removed from the game, the star wideout has been in the league's concussion protocol. Despite practicing on Thursday and Friday, Chase remains in concussion protocol heading into the weekend. Players typically miss at least one game with concussions, but it is not unheard of for players to clear protocol within one week. If Chase is available to play, he would once again be a smash play on the road in Miami. The Bengals are heavy road favorites, and the Dolphins defense cannot stop any offense right now, especially not the high-powered Cincinnati offense. With fellow receiver Tee Higgins also questionable for the contest, Chase could take on an even larger piece of the receiving pie. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status ahead of Sunday and have plans in place should he not clear concussion protocol.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will take on the Miami Dolphins with a hobbled offense in Week 5. Burrow passed for 428 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions in the 17-22 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Bengals star receiver Ja'Marr Chase left early in that contest with a concussion, and fellow wideout Tee Higgins also left with a groin injury. Burrow will now head into Miami with his two top pass catchers questionable to play. Despite potentially having a diminished receiving corps, the Bengals QB should be in line for a productive game due to the matchup. The Dolphins defense is among the worst in the league, so the Bengals offense should have no issues scoring against them. The only thing that fantasy managers will need to worry about is whether Burrow and the Bengals will need to continue throwing later into the game. The Bengals are heavy road favorites despite the injuries they're dealing with, which is a testament to the weakness of the Miami offense and the improvement of the Cincinnati defense. If the Bengals run out to an early lead, Burrow may be content with handing the ball off to Chase Brown over and over. Burrow is ranked QB5 in our RotoBaller Week 5 rankings, making him a strong QB1 option in a soft matchup. Fantasy managers should still start Burrow without his top weapons, but his ceiling may be lower than usual this week.

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that "we'll see" with wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin, neck) in regards to his Week 5 status against the Miami Dolphins, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. The good news is that Higgins was able to practice some on Friday, but he will be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. Fellow star wideout Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) is also questionable to play this weekend, so the Bengals could be without their two best receivers in South Beach. The 27-year-old Higgins is a must-start in all fantasy football leagues when he is active, even in the shadow of Chase. Through four games in 2026, Higgins has 25 receptions for 401 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Joe Burrow's Week 5 value hinges on whether one or both of Higgins and Chase can play this weekend. If one or both of Higgins or Chase cannot play, Dohnte Meyers and Mitchell Tinsley could have massive roles alongside tight end Mike Gesicki. Hopefully, fantasy managers will have a better picture of Higgins' Week 5 status by Saturday evening.