With a deal unlikely before kickoff, the Bengals are considering Chase’s status

A deal between the Cincinnati Bengals and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase before Sunday’s opener against the New England Patriots is considered unlikely, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter late Saturday night.

Sources also told Schefter that as of Saturday night, no final decision had been made as to whether Chase would play in a game on Sunday where his participation is listed as questionable.

On Friday, Chase said his availability would be decided during the game because there was a contract dispute that caused the entire training camp to be suspended. He participated in the last three practices of the week. But another issue arose on Saturday when he was placed on the injured report due to an illness. His availability did not change with the sickness call on Saturday.

Earlier on Saturday, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the team is continuing its game plan for the Patriots and expects Chase to play, but the source also said Cincinnati could adjust accordingly if he does not play.

The three-time Pro Bowler said Friday when asked that he would be willing to play without a contract extension. This was his first public comment since the end of last season. He also added that while both sides are close to a deal, there is only a “small chance” that a deal will be made before Sunday.

And when it came to whether he would play, he would be the one making the decision. “It’s my decision,” Chase said at his locker on Friday.

Chase’s running mate, wide receiver Tee Higgins, is questionable for the opener because he suffered a hamstring injury while limited in practice on Thursday, according to coach Zac Taylor. He did not participate on Friday. The Bengals added wide receiver Kendric Pryor for depth purposes.

Cincinnati is looking to win just its second opening game in Taylor’s six years, with its only victory coming in 2021 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Additional reporting by ESPN writer Ben Baby.