CINCINNATI — Ja’Marr Chase returned to practice Wednesday amid negotiations over a contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. This marked the first time he took part in a practice open to media this offseason.
Chase participated in two closed practices on the final weekend in August but watched in street clothes during the three most recent sessions.
Wednesday’s arrival marked an important moment in the saga with discussions ongoing as to whether Chase would be willing to miss games this season over the dispute. This does not guarantee anything in regards to his playing status Sunday against New England or beyond. It’s an encouraging step, however, and opens the door for him to play all 17 games and leave his hold in behind whether he reaches an extension or not.
During the first 30 minutes of practice open to media, Chase went through individual drills with fellow receiver Tee Higgins while the majority of the team worked on special teams. It was on par with Chase’s normal practice routine.
A practice report listing whether or not he was limited in any capacity will be available later in the day.
Going through the motions. pic.twitter.com/cZ8CHamUva
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 4, 2024
The Bengals staff indicated they have plans in place to execute a game plan Sunday with or without their star receiver, no different than they would with a player questionable due to injury.
“I think we have a great degree of flexibility and fluidity about how we prepare,” offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said. “We’ve been together as coaches and players for a long time, so there are things that come up from time to time that might make the schedule from one week to another different. We’ve dealt with those things before, so it really doesn’t concern us.”
The bigger concern would be Chase’s physical conditioning and the possibility of lower extremity or soft-tissue injuries typically associated with the early portions of training camp.
Chase has continued to work out and the staff has expressed confidence in his conditioning throughout his hold-in process.
“I think he’s undertaken actions to help him play when he plays,” Pitcher said. “And I’m not concerned about his level of play when we have him.”
The Bengals practice again Thursday and Chase is mandated by the league to speak to the media at some point this week, but that timing is still undetermined. He has not spoken publicly to local media since the conclusion of last season.
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(Photo: Dylan Buell / Getty Images)
