Chase Brown Health Update: Latest news on Bengals RB status for Steelers game

The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with significant injury issues heading into their Week 18 matchup against the team Pittsburgh Steelersbecause defenseman Chase Brown is unsure if he will play.

Brown was injured late in the fourth quarter Week 17 contest vs Denver Broncoswhen he injured his ankle after intentionally skidding on the one-yard line to keep from scoring and thus running out the clock.

As if that wasn’t enough, on the next play the Bengals hit the end zone. The Broncos tied the game on the next drive before Cincy won on a pass from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins.

Brown did not return to competition after being released, which leaves him up in the air for a Week 18 game against the Steelers, which the Bengals must win to have a chance to make the playoffs.

Here’s the latest on Brown’s health.

Chase Brown injury update

For NFL Network’s Ian RapoportChase Brown, the Cincinnati Bengals linebacker, did not suffer a serious injury and there is a chance that he will be ready in Week 18.

“It’s not a serious injury in my understanding, so he will actually have a chance to play next week,” Rapoport said on Sunday morning.

FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz doesn’t have such a rosy outlook, as he reports that Brown suffered an upper ankle sprain that usually lasts a few weeks. Schultz adds that Brown is “determined” to try despite the injury.

“Sources: Bengals standout RB Chase Brown underwent an MRI this morning and was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain.” – Schultz informed. “Brown is committed to trying to play in Cincinnati’s must-win Week 18 win over Pittsburgh, but his availability will depend on his progress throughout the week.”

It goes without saying how important Brown is to the Bengals. After all, he is their primary defender and is just 10 yards shy of 1,000 yards on the ground for the season. The Bengals are also already bad at running back with Zack Moss on injured reserve.

If Brown is unable to leave, Khalil Herbert will take over running the offense. It was acquired at the trade deadline from Chicago Bears and had four carries for 23 yards on Saturday.

Like the Bengals fight for their lives in the playoffsThe Steelers have already punched their ticket to the postseason, although their seeding is not yet certain. They can still win the AFC North with a win and Baltimore Ravens loss at 18 weeks.