Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase considers himself a “game-time decision” for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots, as he told reporters on Friday, including Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Chase, who confirmed he’s “100%” healthy, acknowledged that he may be “limited” if he plays on Sunday, following his absence from most of training camp and the entire preseason due to ongoing contract discussions.
In the Bengals’ final Week 1 injury report, Chase was officially listed as questionable. His teammate, wide receiver Tee Higgins, is doubtful for Sunday with a hamstring injury and did not participate in Friday’s practice.
Chase indicated that the deadline he set for reaching a new contract was Friday, though he remarked that an agreement is still “in reach.” Despite the uncertainty surrounding his contract status, Chase emphasized that he intends to play this season, regardless of whether a deal is finalized before the opener.
Chase was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but took part in Friday’s session.
“We’ll see,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said when asked about Chase’s potential availability, according to Ben Baby of ESPN.
Chase has two years left on his rookie contract, having been selected fifth overall by the Bengals in the 2021 NFL Draft. This offseason, several top wide receivers signed substantial contract extensions, most notably Justin Jefferson, who agreed to a four-year, $140 million deal, with $110 million guaranteed.
In response to whether he sought to outdo Jefferson’s contract, Chase stated, “If I want to beat Justin, I’m gonna beat the shit out of Justin. Not by a penny, brother.” He added, “I know I’m the best wide receiver in the league.”
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