Bengals WR Depth Chart: Will Ja'Marr Chase Play Week 1?

Bengals WR Depth Chart: Will Ja’Marr Chase Play Week 1?

Updated –Sep 6, 2024

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is a game-time decision to play Week 1 against the New England Patriots.

Will Ja’Marr Chase Play Week 1?

I asked Ja’Marr Chase if the reports are true that he wants one penny more than Justin Jefferson.

Ja’Marr Chase: “If I want to beat Justin, I’m going to beat the sh*t out of Justin” #Bengals @WCPO pic.twitter.com/04RQTCwnav

— Marshall Kramsky (@marshallkramsky) September 6, 2024

On Friday, Chase spoke to the reporters for the first time about his ongoing contract dispute with the Bengals.

Chase was asked if he would play this season without an extension. He said it would be “his decision” to suit up in Week 1, but he clarified that he would play without an extension.

“If I don’t get one, I will play, yes,” Chase said when asked about playing without a new contract (via Joe Danneman).

Chase has spent most of the summer “holding in” at training camp. The 24-year-old has been at standing on the sidelines at practice.

Chase has been a full participant in practice for three straight days as he gears up for Sunday.

How effective will Chase be on Sunday?

Despite being “100 percent” healthy, Chas said he would probably be “limited” after sitting out most of the offseason.

Ja’Marr Chase Contract

"Long process, pretty aggravating. Try not to let my feelings get in the way of my work."

Says he'll likely be limited if he does play, and called himself a game-time decision for the opener.

Two locker room minutes with Ja'Marr Chase. pic.twitter.com/6nICWaYMZz

— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) September 6, 2024

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension this past offseason. Jefferson’s $35 million per year average is the highest at the position, with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb behind that at $34 million.

Chase made it clear that he wants to be the highest-paid wide receiver. Reports surfaced that Chase would be willing to take one penny more than Jefferson to receive that honor.

The Bengals wide receiver put that rumor to bed with an emphatic response.

“If I want to beat Justin, I’m gonna beat the shit out of Justin. Not by a penny,” Chase said.

Chase has only played three seasons and still has two years left on his contract. Lamb and Jefferson were entering the final years of their rookie contracts, which is why their respective teams were more willing to do their extensions.

The Bengals host the Patriots at 1 p.m. ET on September 8.