Ja’Marr Chase Active for Bengals’ Opener vs. Patriots, Seeks Extension

CINCINNATI (AP) — Ja’Marr Chase is set to play in Sunday’s matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the New England Patriots. However, the team will be without fellow receiver Tee Higgins, who is sidelined due to a hamstring injury.

Throughout the preseason, Chase participated in limited activities as he awaited discussions regarding a potential contract extension. Despite his earlier hesitations, he practiced on Thursday and Friday, leading the Bengals to list him as questionable ahead of the game.

On game day, Chase went through his usual warmup routine without any apparent issues.

Currently, Chase has two remaining years on his contract but is looking to secure a deal that would place him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.

The benchmark for receiver contracts has been largely set by his former college teammate, Justin Jefferson. Jefferson recently signed a groundbreaking four-year deal worth $140 million. Additionally, CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys has raised the bar with a new contract of four years totaling $136 million.

With Higgins unable to play, the Bengals will have to depend more heavily on their supporting receivers. This group includes players such as Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, Trenton Irwin, and rookie Jermaine Burton, all of whom will need to step up in Higgins’ absence.