Ja’Marr Chase will see the field despite hold-in.
It appears the Cincinnati Bengals will have the services of wise receiver Ja’Marr Chase this upcoming Sunday against the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport.
Per Rapoport, Chase is planning to play on Sunday.
“Ja’Marr Chase is a professional. He practiced Wednesday. Did practice today (Thursday) on a limited basis just to make sure to ease him in, but he is, in fact, expected to play Sunday,” Rapoport said Thursday.
Rapoport notes one big reason was Chase being a hold-in and not a hold-out. He attended meetings and practices amid his contract dispute with the Bengals front office. It isn’t a complete replacement for actual reps, but going into his fourth season in the NFL with quarterback Joe Burrow allows him some leeway.
From @NFLGameDay Kickoff: #Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase will be ready to go Sunday, per QB Joe Burrow. But will he have a new contract? pic.twitter.com/ghtMUy8gmy
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2024
It also helps that Chase and Burrow had throwing sessions, so their timing shouldn’t be completely off come game day.
It will remain to be seen if Chase will play the whole game or be limited, but his return to practice Wednesday was a huge step towards the former.
This all became possible as Rapoport also noted Cincinnati made a significant offer to Chase that must at least show enough goodwill for the receiver to return to practice just in time for Week 1.
“I know the Bengals have made a significant, significant offer. We do not know if it is enough to do the deal,” Rapoport added.
It has been a long process, but it appears Chase will be on the field this week.
