Chase Brown injury update: Latest on Bengals RB's status for Week 18 Fantasy Football

The Cincinnati Bengals got a gem in the 2023 NFL draft by selecting running back Chase Brown in the fifth round.

The team moved on from Joe Mixon, who started the last seven seasons. Looking for his replacement heading into this campaign, they leaned on Brown, who had just 44 carries and no rushing touchdowns in 2023-24 but he has surpassed expectations.

Chase has become the team's No. 1 running back, rushing for 990 yards and seven TDs while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Additionally, he has 54 catches for 360 yards and four TDs.

Will Chase Brown play in Browns' regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Chase Brown during Denver Broncos v Cincinnati Bengals - Source: Getty

As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for their regular season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, they could be without their starting RB. Brown suffered an ankle injury during Week 17's game against the Denver Broncos as he slid down at the one-yard line. He was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain.

According to Bengals beat reporter Kelsey Conway, Cincinnati coach Zac Taylor said that both Brown and Amarius Mims will be game-time decisions against the Steelers.

"Chase Brown and Amarius Mims will be game time decisions vs. the Steelers Zac Taylor said "we'll see' when asked if both will play vs. Saturday," Conway tweeted on Thursday.

Both Brown and Tee Higgins are officially questionable for Saturday's game.

What the Bengals need to happen to make the playoffs

Chase Brown, left, takes a handoff from Joe Burrow, right, during Cleveland Browns v Cincinnati Bengals - Source: Getty

Entering the final week of the regular season, the Cincinnati Bengals have a chance to earn the final wildcard spot in the AFC with an 8-8 record.

They will face the Pittsburgh Steelers, who defeated them 44-38 on Dec. 1. Even with the 10-6 Steelers being the home team, the Bengals are 2.5-point favorites.

For Cincinnati to clinch a playoff berth, they need to defeat Pittsburgh and get some help from other AFC teams.

The Bengals will need the Kansas City Chiefs, who are resting their starters, to defeat the Denver Broncos and would need the struggling New York Jets to win against the Miami Dolphins.