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          Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase plays in opening loss to Patriots

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          Schefter: Ja'Marr Chase will play without new deal (0:46)

          Adam Schefter details Ja'Marr Chase's decision to play today for the Bengals despite not getting a contract extension. (0:46)

          • Ben Baby, ESPN Staff WriterSep 8, 2024, 03:37 PM
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              Ben Baby covers the Cincinnati Bengals for ESPN. He joined the company in July 2019. Prior to ESPN, he worked for various newspapers in Texas, most recently at The Dallas Morning News where he covered college sports. He provides daily coverage of the Bengals for ESPN.com, while making appearances on SportsCenter, ESPN's NFL shows and ESPN Radio programs. A native of Grapevine, Texas, he graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He is an adjunct journalism professor at Southern Methodist University and a member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA).
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          CINCINNATI -- Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was active for the Cincinnati Bengals' 16-10 opening loss to the New England Patriots after a contract hold-in during training camp and an illness that he suffered Saturday morning.

          He finished the game with six receptions for 62 yards.

          Chase had previously said that the decision to play would be up to him and be made at some point before kickoff. He also stated that he would be willing to play without a contract extension.

          And a new deal does not appear to be coming. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Chase and the Bengals failed to agree on new terms for the three-time Pro Bowler before the team's Week 1 game. He still has two years remaining on his rookie deal.

          Chase participated in Sunday's warmups with the team. He spent the bulk of the morning beside assistant Troy Walters as he got ready. Chase was also the first receiver to catch passes from quarterback Joe Burrow during warmups.

          It softens the blow for a team that will still be without a key player. Wide receiver Tee Higgins was inactive Sunday after he picked up a hamstring injury.