Chase and Higgins back at Bengals practice as Taylor sees encouraging progress

Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins returned to Bengals practice Monday after missing time last week, with Zac Taylor encouraged about all three recovering starters as Cincinnati's Sunday home opener against the Buccaneers approaches.

Chase hyperextended a knee during a practice last week, while Higgins has been dealing with a heel contusion. Defensive end Shemar Stewart, working back from a knee injury, also practiced. Taylor said the team will hold official injury designations until Wednesday's report, but he described Monday's session in positive terms.

"All three look good today," Taylor said. "We'll wait to release injury reports on Wednesday. But I was encouraged by the progress all three of those guys have made."

Having Chase, Higgins and Stewart on the field together would give the Bengals their full complement of playmakers as they try to open the season with a fast start against Tampa Bay.