Although their season opener is less than a week away, Ja’Marr Chase is still not practicing with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Chase was in street clothes and did not practice with the Bengals on Monday as he awaits a new contract with the team. The Bengals officially open the season against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Monday that they consider Chase “day to day” and will have backup plans in case Chase is unavailable for Sunday’s game.
“There’s always injuries and things to deal with, so we’ll adapt to him,” Taylor said. via ESPN’s Ben Baby.
Chase didn’t participate in the preseason at all with the Bengals as he seeks a new long-term contract. He’s set to make $1.1 million in 2024. The Bengals picked up his fifth-year option in April, which will bump his salary above $21 million in 2025. It’s unclear what kind of salary Chase is seeking, but Dallas Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension last week. That contract trails only Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson, who signed for $140 million among NFL receivers.
The Bengals selected Chase with the No. 5 overall pick in 2021 out of LSU. He has three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since entering the league, and he had 1,216 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year with the Bengals. Cincinnati went 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 campaign.
While Chase hasn’t participated in practice, he has been around the team for most of training camp this fall. He was seen snapping balls and standing with receivers Monday. Taylor said last week that Chase would be a full participant in practice, but he has yet to return.
While it’s unclear when the two sides will reach an agreement and when Chase will begin training, Taylor is confident the receiver will be able to return immediately once they get there.
“I can’t say with 100 per cent certainty, but I’m happy with his form,” Taylor said.