Bengals Consider Chase’s Status as Deal Unlikely Before Kickoff

As the Cincinnati Bengals gear up for their season opener against the New England Patriots, uncertainty surrounds the status of star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a deal between the Bengals and Chase prior to Sunday’s game is deemed unlikely.

Chase is currently listed as questionable for the game, and as of Saturday night, no final decision regarding his participation had been made. Throughout the week, he had indicated that his availability would depend on a game-time decision, a consequence of an ongoing contract dispute that had led to his absence from training camp.

Despite taking part in the team’s last three practices leading up to the game, Chase’s health was called into question when he was added to the injury report due to an illness on Saturday. Nonetheless, sources close to the team indicated that his potential appearance in the game remained unchanged by this latest development.

Earlier in the day, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Bengals were preparing their game strategy with the expectation that Chase would be on the field. However, there was an acknowledgment that adjustments could be made in case he ultimately did not play.

In his first public comments since the conclusion of last season, Chase expressed his willingness to participate in the matchup without having secured a contract extension. He mentioned that while discussions had progressed, the chances of a deal being finalized before the game were slim.

Chase emphasized that the decision about whether he would play would rest solely on his shoulders. “It’s my decision,” he stated at his locker, suggesting he is ready to take on the field if able.

Compounding the receiving corps’ troubles is the status of Tee Higgins, who is considered doubtful for the game due to a hamstring injury sustained during practice on Thursday. Coach Zac Taylor revealed that Higgins did not partake in practice on Friday, leading the Bengals to elevate wide receiver Kendric Pryor from the practice squad to bolster their depth at the position.

The Bengals are aiming for a strong start to the season, hoping to secure only their second opening day victory in coach Zac Taylor’s six-year tenure. Their only win in season openers under Taylor came in 2021 against the Minnesota Vikings.

As fans eagerly await the kickoff, the outcomes regarding Chase and Higgins could significantly influence the game’s dynamics and the Bengals’ performance in the opening week.

Source: ESPN