With the Cincinnati Bengals’ season opener less than a week away, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is still not practicing with the team as he seeks a new contract.
On Monday, Chase was again in street clothes, sidelined from practice as negotiations with the Bengals continued. The team is set to face the New England Patriots on Sunday, and the uncertainty surrounding Chase’s availability looms large.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor addressed the situation on Monday, describing Chase as “day-to-day” and acknowledging the need for backup plans if Chase isn’t ready to play. “There are always injuries and things you have to deal with, so we’ll adapt to him,” Taylor said, as reported by ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Chase, who is pushing for a long-term deal, is currently set to earn $1.1 million in 2024. The Bengals exercised his fifth-year option in April, which will elevate his salary to over $21 million in 2025. While the specifics of Chase’s demands are unclear, the market for top-tier wide receivers has been set by recent deals, including CeeDee Lamb’s four-year, $136 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys, and Justin Jefferson’s $140 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Drafted fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft out of LSU, Chase has quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier receivers. He has recorded three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since joining the NFL, with 1,216 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season alone. Despite his stellar performance, the Bengals finished 9-8 last year, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Although Chase hasn’t been participating in practice, he has remained involved with the team throughout most of the training camp. On Monday, he was seen on the sidelines, shagging balls and standing with the other receivers. Last week, Taylor had indicated that Chase was expected to be a full participant in practice, but that has yet to happen.
The timing of a new deal and Chase’s return to the field remains uncertain. However, Taylor expressed confidence in Chase’s readiness, stating, “It’s impossible for me to say with 100 percent conviction, but I feel good about the shape he’s in.”
As the Bengals prepare for their first game of the season, all eyes are on whether a deal can be struck in time for Chase to suit up and contribute to their campaign.