After the game, Chase shared more on his illness from Saturday despite it not seeming to limit him much during the game
There were many questions about the availability of star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase heading into the Cincinnati Bengals’ Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots.
With contract negotiations Chase had held in all training camp and preseason, not practicing. For a while, it was unclear if he would play Week 1 without a contract extension.
The deal didn’t end up getting done before Week 1, but he still suited up and played, making several key grabs that almost allowed the Bengals to come back before falling 16-10.
However, he wasn’t 100% as he popped up on the Bengals injury report on Saturday with a mysterious illness designation.
After the game, Chase finally elaborated on this illness while refusing to discuss the extension conversations, which have likely ended now that the regular season is here.
Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase was dealing with food poisoning, he said after the game. Said he was planning on getting an IV after his presser. Was on the field for 40 of the team’s 48 plays, per NFL Next Gen Stats.
He also declined all contract questions.
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 8, 2024
Chase also showed his fiery demeanor through his attitude about wanting the ball more than the six targets he got in a six-point loss in which the offense mustered up just 10 points.
Ja’Marr Chase reacts… Says “ask coaches” why only six targets. Says he had food poisoning Saturday. pic.twitter.com/PCOpuUSjMo
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 8, 2024
Luckily for the Bengals, Chase seems just as motivated as ever. With the illness being food poisoning, he should be back to 100% for a much tougher challenge in Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
