Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase returns to practice, a step toward clearing concussion protocol

Cincinnati's star wide receiver took a meaningful step toward clearing the concussion protocol on Thursday, dressing for and participating in the open portion of the Bengals' practice workout.

Chase suffered a concussion last Sunday and sat out Wednesday's session entirely while working his way through the protocol. Pictures and video from the open part of Thursday's practice showed him on the field and involved in the work.

The next checkpoint is how Chase responds to the uptick in activity. If that goes well and he practices again Friday without any issues, his chances of playing against the Dolphins on Sunday will look pretty good.

The update is a boost for Cincinnati's receiving corps. Tee Higgins left last week's loss to the Jaguars with an adductor injury but practiced Wednesday, and Thursday's development keeps the door open for the Bengals to have both wideouts on the field in Week 5. The tag-team returns would be significant for an offense that has leaned on its top two pass-catchers heavily this season.