Is Ja'Marr Chase injured? Everything we know about Bengals WR's preseason absence
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is looking for a new contract and has even held out of practice this summer with the hopes of getting a new one. The All-Pro wide receiver, who is entering the fourth NFL season of his career, had a "hold-in" this summer and didn't participate in some preseason practices and drills.
On Sunday, Bengals fans got good news from the star receiver, as he reportedly took the practice field, ending his hold-in.
NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero wrote on X:
"Sources: #Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase practiced today. No new contract yet. But for the first time in camp, Chase was on the field."
Chase has done some individual work this summer and walk-throughs with the team. He will now take part in Bengals practice, which is key being a few weeks away from the regular season.
It isn't often for a third-year player who is on a five-year rookie deal to hold-in or hold-out, given the term of their contracts. However, third-year wide receivers such as DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle were each extended early by their teams. Chase likely saw that happen and wanted to speed up the process of getting paid.
Chase has been one of the best wide receivers in the last three seasons. He's recorded 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. He's been named to three straight Pro Bowls to start his career and earned a Second-Team All-Pro nod in his rookie season.
Chase and the team will still have contract talks from now until the start of the season, with the chance of hammering out a new deal before the season begins.
Ja'Marr Chase is healthy and will be good to go for the Bengals in Week 1.
Neither Tee Higgins nor Ja'Marr Chase have contract extensions before the 2024 season
Heading into the 2024 offseason, the Cincinnati Bengals had some challenges at the wide receiver position.
Tee Higgins was set to become a free agent before the team placed the franchise tag on him, locking him up for the season. The two sides were unable to reach a long-term deal before the expiration, resulting in Higgins signing a one-year deal. Higgins will likely hit free agency next offseason.
With Higgins' rookie deal expired, the Bengals had to worry about a potential deal for Chase, who is due for one next year.
With Ja'Marr Chase being the priority of the two, the Bengals could have been hesitant to pay Higgins before locking up their No. 1 receiver. Both Higgins and Chase could each get long-term deals next offseason.