The Cincinnati Bengals could be without their starting two wide receivers in a full capacity for Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase practiced this week for the first time after going through contract negotiations all offseason. The two sides are reportedly very close and Chase has been limited in practice.
Chase told the media that he will play without a deal, but has been listed as questionable for the game against the Patriots. Even if Chase plays, he likely wouldn’t have a full workload as he gets into game shape.
“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
The news that Chase will play on Sunday is good news for the Bengals as Tee Higgins was listed as doubtful. With that said, it likely won’t be in a full capacity. Chase will at least give quarterback Joe Burrow a reliable target on the outside against a tough Patriots defense.
Outside of Chase is where the Bengals will look for somebody to step up. Rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton has been struggling which could mean second year player Andrei Iosivas could be the one that benefits from a fantasy football perspective and sees more targets. In deeper leagues, Trenton Irwin is another player to keep tabs on heading into Sunday. Irwin is the most experienced wide receiver on the depth chart behind Chase and Higgins.
With the questions at the wide receiver position in combination with the Patriots having a good defense, Joe Burrow may be a player to avoid in Week 1 in one quarterback formats. Burrow is one of the elite quarterbacks in the NFL, but without Higgins and Chase in a limited capacity, that could have a negative impact on the Bengals passing game as a whole.
