The Bengals were already limping into a critical stretch of the season, but now they’re staring at a potentially ugly twist that could derail their momentum. What started as a heated on-field moment between Ja’Marr Chase and Jalen Ramsey has exploded into a league-level issue. And if the early signals hold, Cincinnati might lose its star wideout at the worst possible time. This isn’t some harmless chirping or routine postgame headline fodder; this is the kind of allegation that forces the NFL’s hand.
And the problem for Cincinnati? The league doesn’t play around with conduct violations when there’s potential visual evidence involved. The last time something similar landed on the NFL’s desk, it resulted in a suspension. If that precedent sticks, the Bengals may soon find themselves without their WR1 in a game they cannot afford to drop.
NFL’s Review Could Trigger a One-Game Suspension of Ja’Marr Chase
NFL insider Mark Maske delivered the development that sent shockwaves across the AFC. Reporter said, “The NFL’s expected review of Jalen Ramsey’s claim that Ja’Marr Chase spit at him, perhaps backed by video evidence, could result in a one-game suspension for Chase, based on the Jalen Carter precedent from the season-opening game.”
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport also reported on Nov. 16 that the league is expected to review Ramsey’s claim that Chase spat at him. And if video supports it, a one-game suspension is very much on the table based on the Jalen Carter precedent from Week 1. That’s a brutal standard for Chase. The NFL has historically leaned toward discipline when evidence is clear and the act involves disrespect or unsportsmanlike conduct.
Chase has not publicly commented on the allegation, and Ramsey predictably doubled down on what he believed he saw in real time. If the league’s film review uncovers anything that resembles the act, Cincinnati won’t have much room to fight the outcome.
Chase Completely Rejected Ramsey’s Accusation, Calling the Spitting Claim False
The incident erupted late in the Steelers–Bengals matchup when Jalen Ramsey and Ja’Marr Chase got locked into a heated confrontation on the sideline after a contested play. Officials immediately stepped in as both players escalated their verbal exchange, and moments later, punches were thrown. The tension on the field was already high, but this flashpoint turned the game’s atmosphere volatile.
Afterward, Ramsey delivered a stunning allegation that shifted the narrative entirely. “He spit on me … I don’t give a f— about football after that, respectfully,” he said, making it clear he believed Chase had crossed a boundary that had nothing to do with competitive fire. To Ramsey, this wasn’t normal trash talk or tempers running hot, and he responded accordingly.
Chase, however, pushed back aggressively and denied any wrongdoing. “I ain’t never opened my mouth to that guy … I didn’t spit on anybody,” he said. Basically, Chase rejected Ramsey’s version of events and insisted the altercation escalated only because Ramsey misread the situation.
The clash between their accounts is exactly what triggered the NFL’s involvement. With Ramsey adamant and Chase equally unwavering in denial, the league is now digging for evidence from broadcast angles and sideline footage to determine whether the moment warrants discipline.
Given the intensity of the confrontation and the seriousness of the allegation, the fallout now stretches far beyond a typical postgame disagreement.
Why Does The Potential Suspension Matter for the Bengals?
A suspension here wouldn’t just cost the Bengals a star receiver, but it would hit the very core of their offensive identity. Chase is the heartbeat of Cincinnati’s passing game, and losing him in a tightly contested AFC playoff race is a disaster scenario. Every game carries heavy weight now, and removing that type of talent shrinks the margin for error to zero.
It also puts added pressure on Tee Higgins, who’s already playing through injury concerns, and forces Joe Burrow to adjust timing, spacing, and matchups on the fly. Defensive coordinators will pounce on a Chase-less offense, shifting coverage, disguising blitzes, and essentially daring the Bengals to beat them left-handed.
And if the suspension happens, Cincinnati isn’t just dealing with a PR bruise. They’re facing a competitive setback in a conference where one loss can swing playoff seeding, tiebreakers, and momentum.
The Bengals may hope this blows over, but the league’s investigative track record suggests they’re kidding themselves. If the tape confirms Ramsey’s accusation even partially, Ja’Marr Chase will be watching next week’s game from home. The Bengals will be scrambling to survive without him. Let’s see what the NFL rules on this issue.