The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their 2024 NFL regular season opener against the New England Patriots at home on September 8, and fans have reason to be excited. Head coach Zac Taylor announced on Tuesday that star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is expected to play in the much-anticipated game.
Chase, who still has two years remaining on his rookie contract with Cincinnati, including a $21.8 million fifth-year option, missed all of the team’s pre-season training camp. While contract negotiations can often lead to such absences, Chase did attend the Bengals’ two light practices this week.
“I think it gives you the visual of what it’s going to look and feel like for us,” Taylor said regarding Chase’s return to practice. “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 quickly become one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. Over 45 games, he has amassed 269 receptions for 3,717 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns. His impressive performance 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 have shown significant progress in recent years, advancing to Super Bowl LVI in 2022, though they fell to the Los Angeles Rams. In the following season, they reached the AFC Championship Game but were edged out by the eventual Super Bowl LVII champions, the Kansas City Chiefs.
Last season, injuries plagued the Bengals, notably with starting quarterback Joe Burrow missing games. The team’s failure to make the postseason highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy roster. With Burrow expected to return in good health, his partnership with Chase is anticipated to be one of the league’s most formidable offensive threats.
As discussions around Chase’s potential contract extension continue, analysts are speculating based on recent market trends. Comparisons are being made to the Dallas Cowboys’ four-year, $136 million deal with wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, which includes $100 million guaranteed, and the Minnesota Vikings’ four-year, $140 million extension with wide receiver Justin Jefferson, including $110 million guaranteed.
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Cincinnati Bengals expect WR Ja'Marr Chase to play in season opener
cgtn.com
