CINCINNATI — The Bengals obtained probably the most optimistic signal they might get on Wednesday.
Huge receiver Ja’Marr Chase participated within the first official apply of recreation week forward of the crew’s season opener towards the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Chase was listed as a restricted participant in his first apply since resuming his hold-in amid a contract dispute. He and fellow receiver Tee Higgins had been among the many final ones to stroll out to apply.
With jersey and helmet in hand, Chase labored with Higgins and couple of Bengals assistants.
Going by way of the motions. pic.twitter.com/cZ8CHamUva
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 4, 2024
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow welcomed Chase’s presence even when his standing for Week 1 stays up within the air. Burrow mentioned the crew’s recreation plan is staying versatile if Chase decides to not play within the opener.
“We’ll see if that finally ends up taking place however no matter occurs, we’ll be ready for it,” Burrow mentioned.
Chase didn’t take part in any of coaching camp and labored out throughout crew practices sparingly whereas working towards a contract negotiation.
On Aug. 24, Chase participated in a lightweight apply throughout the break between camp and the official begin of the common season. Nonetheless, after coach Zac Taylor mentioned he anticipated Chase to take part the remainder of the week, the star wideout sat out the remainder of the crew’s practices.
Taylor did not give any indication forward of apply Wednesday that Chase was going to take part, just like his noncommittal stances that adopted the dust-up the earlier week.
Burrow praised how Chase regarded in his most intensive work with the crew this offseason, noting he regarded “quick and powerful like he all the time does.”
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Burrow additionally underscored Chase’s significance to the crew’s future as his contract stays a sticking level.
“He is all the time been a team-first, win-first sort of man,” Burrow mentioned. “That is the sort of man Ja’Marr is, and also you wish to reward these guys.”
Chase, who has two years remaining on his contract, has beforehand eyed being one of many highest-paid receivers within the league.
The three-time Professional Bowler has not made any public feedback the complete offseason amid the contract dispute. Chase didn’t communicate to reporters after Wednesday’s apply however may subject questions later within the week.
Bengals vast receiver Andrei Iosivas was amongst those that had been thrilled to see Chase regardless of all of the uncertainty.
“It was nice to see him within the huddle,” Iosivas informed ESPN. “It is like all our [top players] now are again. It simply feels nice.”
Earlier within the day, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher mentioned the crew will stay versatile, with Chase’s standing for Week 1 nonetheless unclear.
“We take it daily and make the most effective determination we expect we will make within the second,” Pitcher mentioned.
