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    • Ja’Marr Chase contract update injury report for Bengals vs. Patriots
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    Ja’Marr Chase contract update injury report for Bengals vs. Patriots

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    Cincinnati Bengals Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase spoke publicly about the status of his contract negotiation process with the team and his playing status for Sunday’s home opener during Friday’s press availability at Paycor Stadium. It was the first time Chase has spoken to the media since the conclusion of the 2023 season.

    Chase, 25, is seeking a new deal from the Bengals. The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver began his session with local media in Cincinnati by stating that he was not seeking a contract from the Bengals this offseason. Chase said that the Bengals’ “staff” told him he would get one.

    As for where Chase and the Bengals stand in the negotiating process, Chase believes they are close.

    “I would say we’re a little bit off, but it’s within reach,” Chase said. “We’re pretty close, a few numbers have to be flipped and changed in other places, but I would say we’re pretty close.”

    The saga between the Bengals and Chase began before training camp. Bengals team president and owner Mike Brown said they would “do everything in their power” to get a deal with Chase. Chase has two years left on his rookie deal with the club.

    When asked if Cincinnati’s contract offers thus far reflected Brown’s statements, Chase replied, “Now they do, yes.”

    Chase attended all but one practice but did not participate in any way. Things appeared to be looking up when he returned to practice as a limited participant on August 25. Two days later, head coach Zac Taylor said he was confident Chase would play in the season opener and would continue to practice.

    On August 28, Chase showed up for practice 13 minutes late, but without his uniform. He did not return to practice until September 4. It appears that Chase wanted to send a message to the main office when he decided not to practice after his coach publicly stated that he expected Chase to play.

    The wide receiver market has been set for a while. Cincinnati and Chase’s front office were waiting for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson to get his deal because he was expected to reset the market, which he did. Then the Dallas Cowboys gave CeeDee Lamb a new deal last week that confirmed the wide receiver market would not change.

    Chase believes he is the best wide receiver in the NFL and believes his contract should reflect that because of his production on the field. Based on Chase’s comments on Friday, it’s clear he wants his contract to at least match Jefferson’s.

    “I don’t really want to go much higher, I’m not really trying to beat him, to go crazy,” Chase said. “It’s just what’s right.”

    The Vikings ultimately gave Jefferson a historic four-year, $140 million deal, including $110 million guaranteed. Jefferson’s average annual salary of $35 million is the highest at the wide receiver position. Lamb agreed to a four-year, $136 million contract extension with $100 million guaranteed.

    Chase would not confirm whether he would play in Cincinnati’s season opener against the New England Patriots, saying it would be a game-time decision and that Friday is his deadline for a new deal with the Bengals.

    If Chase doesn’t agree to an extension with the Bengals before Sunday’s game, Chase said he will play the season without a new deal. Chase said he thinks there’s a “slim chance” the contract extension will be finalized before Week 1 begins.

    “Who knows what will happen in the next few hours,” he said.

    Chase described the situation as “deteriorating” and has tried to focus on getting in as good shape as possible for the season.

    In three seasons with the Bengals, Chase has caught 268 passes for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. The Bengals have advanced to the AFC championship game in two of Chase’s three professional seasons.

    The clock is ticking for the Bengals and Chase to get something done before the start of this season. If a new deal isn’t reached, Chase said he’s open to renegotiating with the Bengals next year, but the price tag will almost certainly go up.

    Regardless of what happens in the next 24 hours, Chase is betting on himself to show why he deserves to be paid at the highest level in his market. The hope for both sides is that they can reach a resolution soon.

    “I’m confident that it’s going to work out,” Chase said. “I know my worth and I’m sure they know it too, it’s easy and simple.”

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