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Bengals mull Chase status as deal unlikely before kickoff
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Bengals mull Chase status as deal unlikely before kickoff

A deal between the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase before Sunday’s season opener against the New England Patriots is considered unlikely, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter late Saturday night.

Sources also told Schefter that no final decision had been made Saturday night about whether Chase will play Sunday, in a game in which he is listed as questionable.

On Friday, Chase said his availability would be a play-in decision amid a contract dispute that resulted in a suspension throughout training camp. He participated in the team’s final three practices of the week. On Saturday, however, another issue arose when he was added to the injury report due to an illness. His availability did not change with his illness designation.

Earlier Saturday, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the team was moving forward with its game plan for the Patriots, assuming Chase would play. However, the source said Cincinnati could adjust its plans if he did not play.

The three-time Pro Bowler said he was willing to play without a contract extension when asked Friday, his first public comments since last season ended. He added that while both sides appeared close to a deal, there was only a “slim chance” an extension would be finalized before Sunday.

And if it came down to him playing, he would be the one making the decision. “It’s my decision,” Chase said Friday outside his locker room.

Chase’s running mate, wide receiver Tee Higgins, is questionable for the opener with a hamstring injury that coach Zac Taylor said he suffered Thursday while limited in practice. Higgins did not play Friday. The Bengals have elevated wide receiver Kendric Pryor for depth purposes.

Cincinnati is hoping to win just its second season opener in Taylor’s six years, with its lone victory coming in 2021 against the Minnesota Vikings.

ESPN’s Ben Baby contributed to this report.