The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their 2024 National Football League (NFL) regular season opener against the New England Patriots on September 8, with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase expected to take the field, head coach Zac Taylor announced on Tuesday.
Chase, who remains under contract with the Bengals for two more years, including a $21.8 million fifth-year option, missed the entire pre-season training camp. While this absence is common during contract negotiations, Chase participated in the team's two light practices this week, signaling his readiness for the upcoming season.
\"I think it gives you the visual of what it's going to look and feel like for us,\" Taylor commented on Chase's participation. \"It's been good to get him back in the mix the last couple of days.\"
Since being drafted fifth overall by the Bengals in 2021, Chase has recorded 269 catches for 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns across 45 games. His impressive performances earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, a Second Team All-Pro selection in 2021, and three Pro Bowl appearances.
The Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI but fell to the Los Angeles Rams, and although they made it to the AFC Championship Game the following season, they were defeated by the eventual Super Bowl LVII champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season saw the Bengals miss the postseason, partly due to starting quarterback Joe Burrow's injury that sidelined him for 10 games. However, with Burrow likely returning healthy, the duo of Burrow and Chase is poised to form one of the league's most formidable offensive pairings.
Speculation is growing around Chase's potential contract extension, especially in light of recent deals in the NFL. Analysts point to the Dallas Cowboys' four-year, $136 million contract with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the Minnesota Vikings' four-year, $140 million extension with wide receiver Justin Jefferson as benchmarks that could influence Chase's future with the Bengals.
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Cincinnati Bengals expect WR Ja'Marr Chase to play in season opener
cgtn.com
