Ja’Marr Chase probably limited in week 1.
Ja’Marr Chase has been seeking a new contract despite having 2 years left on his rookie contract. He has only practiced a handful of times since the Bengals opened training camp in July in hopes of finalizing negotiations for a new deal. Chase returned to practice this week, but his status for week 1 was remains in the air. Chase spoke to the media and stated “he would probably be limited” if he does play.
Chase being limited should surprise no one. He has not been practicing, and being a player worthy of what may be the highest paying contract to a wide receiver ever would be very irresponsible to put himself at risk without the proper practice time. Chase is a boom bust lower end wr1 this week, but the temptation to play him if active may be too much for players who took him in the first round to resist, especially with Tee Higgins being added to the injury report on Thursday.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (ankle) ...
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (ankle) ...
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had six grabs...
Week 1 of the NFL season is here and currently superstar Ja’Marr Chase is still not participating in practice.
With the Bengals preparing to play against the New England Patriots, there’s a chance they will play without their star receiver Ja’Marr Chase. He has been seen at practice but not participating while still working on a new contract. Wednesday will be key to see if Chase does end his hold-in and play this upcoming season. Wednesday is when practice ramps up and the game plan against New England is implemented.
This does not bold well for those who drafted the star for their fantasy football teams and those who drafted Joe Burrow. Without Chase on the field, Burrow has struggled and will need to rely on Tee Higgins, who is also looking for a new contract, as well as Andrei Iosivas and Trent Irwin. There is still a chance Chase plays against the Patriots but could be limited in snaps or risk injury with the lack of training camp practice.
Head Coach Zac Taylor updates media that he expects Ja’Marr Chase to play week 1.
Ja’Marr Chase has been holding out all off-season in hopes to sign an extension beyond his rookie contract. Head Coach Zac Taylor expects him to play week 1 and has said he has looked good since rejoining the team. “It’s been good just to have our full complement of weapons out there,” Taylor said about the return. “Gives you the visual of what it’s going to look and feel like for us. And so it’s been good to get him back in the mix these last couple of days.”
Chase is a top five wide receiver in fantasy football and knowing he will be on the field week 1 is huge news. When drafting in any format, you can now feel confident without hesitation if he will play in 2023. Do expect some ramping up into the season, which is common for players who have held out of training camp. Injury concerns are always valid when players miss camp.
Ja’Marr Chase was seen at practice amid contract concerns.
Chase seems to have finally ended his “hold-in” after showing up to camp today and practiced. Chase still has two years left on his contract (fifth-year option) but is looking to receive his big payday to match his on-field performance. Chase is an elite talent and Joe Burrow’s number one target, seeing him on the field gives the Bengals and fans something to be excited about. Now Chase and Burrow have two weeks to get back on track before they face the New England Patriots.
As for fantasy football, Chase has and still been a player that should be drafted in the first round in any format. His contract and hold-out was a concern and saw his ADP drop but you should feel confident in drafting him and looking forward to another great season.
With voluntary off-season activities starting for the Cincinnati Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are not attending while dealing with contract concerns.
After a frustrating season in 2023 for the Bengals, not having their top two receivers at camp is not a great start in 2024. Tee Higgins still has not signed his franchise tag and continues to miss any off-season activities until a contract is agreed upon or he is traded. Chase on the other hand is not looking to be traded but will be missing time while working with the Bengals on a new deal. In Chase’s case, a lot of teams are waiting to see Justin Jefferson’s contract before making a move.
There is still a lot of uncertainty with Higgins and how this will play out for him and his future. This will affect his fantasy value in redraft and dynasty formats. Until the off-season is closer to the regular season, Higgins is someone you have to hold onto in fantasy or buy at a cheap price. Chase’s value will continue to be as high as it ever will in dynasty and a potential first round grab in most redraft formats. Contract signed or not, expect Chase to play this upcoming season.
The Cincinnati Bengals are making sure their premiere wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase stays a Bengal.
Ja’Marr Chase gets his fifth-year option exercised which will pay him $21.8 million in 2025. Chase, coming off his first 100 reception season, comes into 2024 knowing he will be part of the Bengals plan in 2025 and possibly beyond. The Bengals are making sure Joe Burrow will have his college teammate and Pro Bowl receiver for years to come.
Chase has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons with the Bengals, including an NFL All-Pro season in 2021, when he was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He will look to continue his dominance at the position where he currently has 268 receptions, 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase has cemented himself as a top 5 wide receiver in the NFL and you can click with confidence when drafting the star wide receiver in the first round of fantasy drafts.
