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Ja'Marr Chase's contract situation with the Cincinnati Bengals has carried over into the regular season, as it still has no resolution heading into Week 1 of the 2024 campaign. Chase was listed on the Bengals injury report as questionable for this game due to this illness, and his status remained up in the air throughout the week as they prepare to take on the New England Patriots. However, Chase is active and seemingly ready to play despite not getting a new contract.
Despite all the drama surrounding Chase and his contract situation, he has been practicing with the team in the buildup to this game. Ahead of the game, it was reported that Chase was feeling better amid his battle with an illness, and that the Bengals included the superstar wide receiver in their game plan, indicating their plan to have him on the field for Week 1.
Via Jeremy Fowler: “Ja’Marr Chase (questionable, illness) woke up ill Saturday but felt better later in the day, and the Bengals have had him in the game plan this week, per source. That can be adjusted if he sits, but those are a few encouraging signs.”
Bengals happy to have Ja'Marr Chase on the field in Week 1
Chase's situation had been incredibly murky for weeks. The Bengals star made his desires for a new deal very clear, and there were rumors suggesting that he could opt to sit out games until his contract situation gets resolved. Ahead of the game, though, it was reported that the two sides were unable to agree to terms on an extension.
Via Adam Schefter: “Now official: The Bengals and WR Ja’Marr Chase are not expected to reach a contract extension before today’s regular-season opener, per sources. It remains unclear if Chase will play today. Actives/Inactives in 30 minutes.”
There are quite a few reasons why Cincy is happy that Chase is suiting up for their Week 1 action. For starters, he's one of the best wide receivers in the game, so the more time he spends on the field, the better. Beyond that, fellow star wideout Tee Higgins is inactive, so not having both Chase and Higgins would have been a tough blow for Joe Burrow.
Even with no Higgins and a potentially limited Chase, the Bengals are expected to beat the Pats, who are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league this year. At some point, though, Cincy is going to need Chase at 100%, so seeing him suit up to kick off the season is quite encouraging, as it indicates that his contract drama isn't going to hold him off the field.
