‘Then I’m Gonna Do It’: Ja’Marr Chase’s Statement Before Vikings-Bengals Game Will Annoy Justin Jefferson
As the Cincinnati Bengals prepare for their Week 3 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, all eyes are on Ja’Marr Chase and his playful rivalry with Justin Jefferson. Both players, former college teammates at LSU, have established themselves as elite wide receivers in the NFL.
Ahead of the game, Chase made headlines with a bold statement about his intentions to perform Jefferson’s signature “griddy” celebration, which is sure to add an extra layer of excitement to the encounter. Chase’s comments have sparked interest and some lighthearted tension between the two stars.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) catches a pass during Cincinnati Bengals Practice in Cincinnati on Aug. 21, 2025.
Known for his flamboyant touchdown celebrations, Chase is eager to showcase his skills while simultaneously teasing Jefferson. With the Bengals looking to bounce back from an inconsistent start to the season, Chase’s confidence could serve as a motivational factor for the team.
Both Chase and Jefferson have impressive stats to back their reputations. Chase recently had a standout performance against the Jaguars, recording 14 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown. Meanwhile, Jefferson continues to be a dominant force for the Vikings, and the matchup promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and athleticism.
The absence of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow adds an intriguing twist to this game, as backup Jake Browning will take the reins. Chase will need to establish chemistry quickly with Browning to maintain the offensive momentum. The matchup is crucial for both teams, as they look to solidify their playoff aspirations early in the season.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase Annoys Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson Ahead of Their Upcoming Match
NFL wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) stands on the field during Bengals Camp practice at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Aug. 2, 2025.
Chase recently dropped a statement meant to annoy Jefferson ahead of their upcoming match. This can be seen in a post shared by NFL on ESPN’s official Instagram account.
Fans can expect an exhilarating game filled with competitive spirit and individual rivalries. The interplay between Chase and Jefferson could ultimately define the outcome, as each player aims to outshine the other. As the two prepare to face off, their playful banter adds to the anticipation surrounding the game.
Aug 7, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; NFL wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Chase’s intention to perform the griddy against Justin Jefferson highlights the excitement of their impending showdown. With both teams seeking to improve their standings, this matchup promises to deliver thrilling moments and showcase the incredible talent of two of the league’s brightest stars.
Jun 10, 2025; Cincinnati, OH, USA; NFL wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) completes a catch during practice at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images
STEELERS ANNOUNCE SHOCKING INJURY UPDATE: DERRICK HARMON'S RECOVERY TAKES A TURN FOR THE BETTER, BUT 3 STAR PLAYERS RULED OUT FOR WEEK 3!
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be missing three starters on defense in Week 3 versus the New England Patriots. But it’s still possible first-round defensive lineman Derrick Harmon makes his NFL regular season debut Sunday.
On the team’s final injury report Friday, the Steelers listed Harmon as questionable. The rookie also fully practiced Friday after being limited Wednesday and Thursday.
Harmon has been sidelined since suffering a knee sprain during Week 3 of the preseason on August 21.
The Steelers also received a positive injury update on linebacker Patrick Queen. The veteran has been dealing with an oblique ailment this week, but he fully practiced Wednesday-Friday and doesn’t have an injury designation for Sunday.
Wide receiver DK Metcalf, cornerback Darius Slay and edge rusher T.J. Watt received veteran rest days throughout the week. All three players practiced Friday and don’t have injury designations either.
However, that was the end of the good injury news for the Steelers. Also Friday, the team ruled out cornerback Joey Porter Jr., safety DeShon Elliott and edge rusher Alex Highsmith.
Porter and Elliott also missed Week 2, which was a 31-17 Pittsburgh loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Rookie Derrick Harmon Could Make Steelers Debut in Week 3
Pundits feared the worst with Harmon because he left on a cart during the third week of the preseason. But he avoided a serious injury and actually didn’t even land on injured reserve.
An IR stint would have automatically ruled out Harmon for four games. But the team saw the rookie returning before October.
Assuming that mindset hasn’t changed, Harmon is set to make his regular season debut either Sunday or during Week 4.
The Steelers drafted Harmon at No. 21 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. At Oregon last season, he posted five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, four pass defenses and two forced fumbles.
Pittsburgh’s defense needs Harmon back to help against the run. The Steelers allowed an average of about 150 rushing yards in the first two games this season. Pittsburgh has also yielded a league-high four rushing touchdowns in two weeks.
Since he’s a rookie, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers eased Harmon back into the lineup. But once he’s back up to speed, the 22-year-old is expected to start along the defensive line with All-Pro Cameron Heyward and former second-round pick Keeanu Benton.
Steelers to be Without Highsmith, Porter & Elliott
If Harmon is able to return, it will be a huge boost for the Steelers defense. But the unit will still be without one of its starting edge rushers and two starters in the secondary.
Highsmith has averaged about eight sacks per season over the past four years. Third-year edge rusher Nick Herbig will likely replace him in the starting lineup.
With two tackles for loss, a pass defense and interception, Herbig was one of Pittsburgh’s better defenders during Week 2.
Veterans Brandin Echols and Chuck Clark will probably continue to replace Porter and Elliott. At cornerback, though, Slay and Jalen Ramsey, who have played every defensive snaps for the Steelers this season, will start. Echols will likely receive playing time in nickel situations.
Clark is set to line up next to fellow safety Juan Thornhill in Elliott’s absence. Clark played 87.7% of the team’s defensive snaps during Week 2.
