NFL announces one-game suspension for Ja'Marr Chase after Jalen Ramsey spitting incident

Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended one game by the NFL, per release. This comes after it was determined that Chase spit on Steelers DB Jalen Ramsey, who was ejected after striking Chase on Sunday.

Full release from the NFL on the suspension. pic.twitter.com/FkJpmiY1X5

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 17, 2025

“Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers,” the NFL wrote. “During the fourth quarter, Chase spit on Pittsburgh cornerback Jalen Ramsey, violating Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”

“… Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Chase may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.”

Chase will be eligible to return to Cincinnati’s active roster on Monday, Nov. 24. That’s the day following the team’s Week 12 game vs. the New England Patriots on Nov. 23.

The confrontation, which occurred with just over 13 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s 34–12 win on Sunday, led to Ramsey being ejected for punching Chase. The Bengals star wide receiver remained in the game after the incident.

During the game, officials missed the original act and only saw Ramsey’s punch, which resulted in his ejection. Referee Bill Vinovich later explained, “We did not see anything that rose to that level at all.”

A similar incident occurred during Week 1 of the regular season back in September. Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter was ejected in the first quarter of his team’s 24-20 over the Dallas Cowboys for spitting on quarterback Dak Prescott.

The NFL later announced they were fining Carter at total of of $57,222, which represents the amount he’d have made on his game check. Because his ejection came prior to the first snap of the game, the season opener served as his de facto one-game suspension.

Chase’s head coach Zac Taylor spoke highly of Chase in the aftermath of the incident. However, the Bengals headman knows his star wideout’s actions are unacceptable, and so does Chase.

“Obviously, what happened is crossing the line,” Taylor said. “We can’t have that. And I know he’ll own up to that. But beyond that, I’ve always sat up here and praised Ja’Marr because he’s one of the best leaders we’ve got.”

The Bengals will move forward without Chase for Sunday’s matchup at home vs. the Patriots. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET live on CBS.