The Cincinnati Bengals announced troubling news for their receiver corps ahead of their Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots. The Bengals came into the week with big questions about wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase wants to sign a contract extension before Sunday. However, he has participated in practice this week and could play against the Patriots if he doesn’t agree to a new deal with the front office before the game.
Tee Higgins is doubtful to play the Patriots
Chase isn’t the only receiver that might not play the Patriots. On Thursday, Tee Higgins appeared on the Bengals injury report for a hamstring issue. Higgins would have been expecting to receive more targets from quarterback Joe Burrow if Chase was not available to play.
Per the Bengals injury report released Friday afternoon, the team is listing Higgins as doubtful to play the Patriots.
Chase is listed as questionable to play on Sunday.
Ja’Marr Chase is a game-time decision
Per the NFL’s website, Chase said on Friday that his availability for Sunday’s game will be a game-time decision:
“Contract status, pretty good for real,” he said. I want to say we’re off a little bit, but it’s in reach. We’ll see about game day…I’d say we’re pretty close. A few numbers need to be switched around and changed other places, but I’ll say we’re pretty close.”
Chase said he intends to play this season even if he doesn’t agree to a contract extension soon.
A Cincinnati Bengals’ Super Bowl win is the goal
Chase said that the goal of winning a Super Bowl trumps any other this season. He wants to get back to being a leader on the Bengals offense:
“That’s what it’s all about for me at the end of the day,” he said. “So, if this contract situation doesn’t go through, it’s back to what my focus is, and it’s on this team, being a leader and just being who I am.”
One would assume Burrow can’t wait for Chase to get back onto the field also.
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