The Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has yet to return to practice as he awaits the franchise to give him a new contract.
Chase and the Bengals are engaged in tense negotiations that are threatening to drag out past the season opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday. The LSU product skipped Monday’s practice, the last official one ahead of the game week, and has shown every intention to remain on the sidelines until his extension is sorted out.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that the team will make necessary adjustments in case Chase isn’t ready to play in Week 1.
“There are always injuries and things you have to deal with, so we’ll adapt to him,” Taylor said.
Chare is reportedly looking to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the league and is unlikely to accept anything less than that. This distinction currently belongs to Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, who is the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league after inking a four-year, $140 million pact earlier this year.
Ja’Marr Chase, who still has two years left on his rookie contract, has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons as a pro. His best campaign was in 2023 when he made 81 catches for a career-high 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns en route to a third-straight Pro Bowl nod.
