Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Tuesday that he expects wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to be on the field in Week 1, when the team’s first game takes on the New England Patriots.
When asked if he was confident the three-time Pro Bowler would be ready to play on Sept. 8, Taylor replied simply, “Yes.”
Chase did not play in any of the Bengals’ preseason games as he seeks to renegotiate his contract, which still has two years remaining on his rookie deal. The 24-year-old did return to practice, participating in two sessions this week, and will continue that plan as the Patriots game approaches.
“I think it gives you an idea of ​​what it’s going to look and feel like for us,” Taylor said. “It’s been good to have him back in the mix the last couple of days.”
Chase has amassed 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in his first three seasons. After seeing contracts given to CeeDee Lamb of the Dallas Cowboys and Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, plus those given to members of his 2021 draft class — Miami’s Jaylen Waddle, Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown and Philadelphia’s Devonta Smith — the LSU product is looking to cash in on a productive start to his NFL career.
The Bengals picked up Chase’s fifth-year option in April, which will increase his salary from $1.1 million this coming season to a fully guaranteed $21.8 million in 2025 unless an extension is worked out.
In 2023, Chase caught a career-high 100 receiving balls, which is tied for the second-most in a season in Bengals history. He is also one of only eight players in NFL history to reach 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.
