The Cincinnati Bengals are facing an intense decision regarding star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase as they prepare for their regular-season opener against the New England Patriots. Ja’Marr Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, remains in a contract dispute with the team, and his availability for Sunday’s game is still uncertain.
The situation worsened when Chase joined the injury report on Saturday due to an illness, complicating his status further. He now appears as questionable for the much-anticipated game, leaving Bengals fans and coaches in suspense.
If Chase does not play, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will be without his top two receiving options. Wide receiver Tee Higgins, who has been nursing a hamstring injury, is also doubtful for the game, creating a potentially significant void in Cincinnati’s offensive firepower.
Ja’Marr Chase Contract Negotiations and Week 1 Playing Status
As of late Saturday, there has been no resolution to Ja’Marr Chase’s contract dispute. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that a deal between the Bengals and Chase was not expected to be finalized before Sunday’s game.
This uncertainty adds a layer of complexity to the Bengals’ preparation for the Patriots, with Chase’s status in limbo.
Chase had told reporters on Friday that his availability for the game would be a game-time decision. Although he participated in practice from Wednesday to Friday, this was after he sat out most of training camp during a “hold-in” as contract negotiations dragged on.
He described recent progress in talks but acknowledged that an agreement before Week 1 was unlikely.
Despite having two years left on his rookie contract, Chase is seeking a contract extension that matches the current wide receiver market. Several star receivers, including Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb, have secured lucrative deals averaging more than $30 million per season.
The Bengals’ young star believes his performance warrants similar compensation, though he playfully refuted rumors that he is aiming to eclipse Jefferson’s earnings by a single cent.
Chase dismissed the idea that competition with his former LSU teammate drove his contract demands, saying, “If I want to beat Justin, I’m gonna beat the (expletive) out of Justin.”
He also hinted that if he suits up on Sunday, he might see limited playing time and involvement. Nevertheless, Joe Burrow expressed full confidence in Chase’s readiness, saying, “If he goes out there, he’ll be the Ja’Marr we all know.”
Impact of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins’ Potential Absence
If Chase and Higgins are unavailable for Sunday’s game, the Bengals will face a significant challenge. Without his top two targets, Burrow will have to adjust, and the offense will rely heavily on its younger wide receivers and running backs.
Cincinnati’s depth at wide receiver includes second-year players Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, and Trenton Irwin, all of whom could see increased playing time.
The Bengals also elevated wide receiver Kendric Pryor from the practice squad in preparation for Higgins’ potential absence.
Higgins, who has been dealing with his own contract-related matters this offseason, sustained a hamstring injury during Thursday’s practice and did not participate on Friday.
This injury has left him doubtful for the season opener, further complicating the Bengals’ offensive outlook.
Bengals’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart Without Chase and Higgins
If Chase and Higgins sit out, the Bengals’ passing game will look drastically different. Andrei Iosivas, a second-year receiver out of Princeton, could take on a more prominent role.
Known for his athleticism as a former heptathlete, Iosivas has shown promise during his time with the Bengals but has yet to see significant action in high-pressure games.
Alongside him, rookie Charlie Jones and Trenton Irwin would also be expected to step up. The Bengals coaching staff may need to rely on short passes and creative play-calling to compensate for the absence of their star wideouts.
With Burrow under center, Cincinnati can still pose a threat through the air, even without its top two receivers. Burrow’s chemistry with his younger targets will be critical in keeping the offense moving against a tough Patriots defense. Additionally, the Bengals may lean more heavily on their ground game, with running back Joe Mixon likely to see an increased workload to help balance the offense.
Bengals’ Game Plan and Offensive Adjustments
If Chase and Higgins sit out, the Bengals’ coaching staff will need to adjust their offensive strategy significantly. Without two of their biggest playmakers, Cincinnati could opt for a more conservative approach, focusing on running the ball and short, high-percentage passing plays.
The Bengals plan to use Joe Mixon as a key player, both running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield..
Burrow may also rely more on tight ends and backup wide receivers for quick, short-yardage gains to keep the chains moving. Additionally, offensive coordinator Brian Callahan could design plays that get the ball into the hands of Iosivas and Jones, allowing them to showcase their speed and athleticism in space.
The Bengals’ offensive line will also be under pressure to give Burrow ample time in the pocket. With New England’s pass rush expected to be aggressive, protecting Burrow will be crucial, especially if he has to develop chemistry with less experienced receivers.
What’s at Stake for the Bengals?
Cincinnati is entering the 2024 season with high expectations after a deep playoff run last year. Under head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals aim for another strong season, but the absence of key players like Chase and Higgins could hinder their ability to win early games.
Taylor, who has won only one season opener in his six-year tenure, will be looking to improve his team’s start to the season. The Bengals’ sole opening game victory came in 2021, a thrilling overtime win against the Minnesota Vikings.
A victory in Week 1 would set a positive tone for the Bengals, but doing so without Chase and Higgins presents a steep challenge. Burrow’s leadership and ability to adapt will be critical as the team navigates its early-season obstacles.
Looking Ahead for Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals
Chase’s contract situation will remain a focal point until both sides reach an agreement, even if he plays on Sunday. The Bengals will need to navigate this season carefully, balancing Chase’s demands for a new deal with their long-term financial strategy.
With the wide receiver market continuing to evolve, Cincinnati’s front office will likely aim to lock down Chase with a contract that reflects his value while maintaining cap flexibility.
For now, the focus remains on Sunday’s game and whether Chase will take the field. Fans and analysts alike are waiting to see how the situation unfolds, with Cincinnati’s chances of starting the season strong potentially hinging on the availability of their star wide receiver.
In the meantime, Bengals fans can take comfort in knowing that Chase remains committed to the team, even amid ongoing contract talks. Whether he plays or not, his future with the Bengals looks bright, and a resolution to the contract dispute seems inevitable. How soon that resolution comes, however, is still up in the air.
