Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is continuing his holdout as he seeks a new contract, missing the team’s first practice of Week 1.
The Bengals are preparing to kick off their season at home against the New England Patriots, but there are uncertainties regarding Chase’s participation in the game.
On Monday, he was observed assisting with wide receiver drills but did not actively participate. Chase has not practiced since before the roster cuts last week, as he enters the final year of his contract.
When asked about Chase’s availability for Sunday, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor stated, “We’ll just take it day to day.”
Ja'Marr Chase was the most involved at practice as we've seen him recently. Spent the portion open to the media helping out with WR drills. pic.twitter.com/cEufVELUF7
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 2, 2024
Taylor expressed confidence that the wide receiver would be in good enough condition to play, despite his lack of practice. “I can’t say with 100 percent certainty, but I feel positive about his fitness,” Taylor remarked.
Even if Chase does not participate, the Bengals are still anticipated to dominate the Patriots, as quarterback Joe Burrow has a wealth of offensive options at his disposal. This includes consensus “wide receiver two” Tee Higgins, along with Charlie Jones and rookie Jermaine Burton, among others.
Chase is seeking a significant contract at an opportune moment, following a summer that saw several deals reshape the wide receiver market. Notable contracts include a four-year, $140 million deal for Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, a four-year, $136 million contract for CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys, and a four-year, $120 million agreement for Brandon Aiyuk of the San Francisco 49ers, which was finalized just last Thursday.
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