Crucial Update On Ja'Marr Chase's Status For Week 1

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was seen warming up on the field at Paycor Stadium hours prior to his team's Week 1 matchup against the New England Patriots on Sunday (September 8) in videos shared by NFL Network reporter Bridget Condon.

"Ja'Marr Chase is warming up on the field," Condon wrote in her initial post on her X account.

Chase, who was initially included on the Bengals' injury report as questionable due to non-injury rest, was reported to be dealing with an illness on Saturday (September 7). Cincinnati had already ruled out No. 2 wide receiver Tee Higgins on Friday (September 6) amid uncertainty of Chase's status.

"Ja'Marr Chase doing his typical warmup with tennis balls. Tee Higgins, who also normally does this, is not out here. #Bengals," Condon wrote in a second post.

Chase told reporters on Friday that he believes he and the Bengals were "pretty close" to reaching an agreement on a long-term extension, but is willing to play in the team's Week 1 game.

Chase, who was selected by the Bengals at No. 5 in the 2021 NFL Draft, had 100 receptions for 1,216 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023, having recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards during each of his first three seasons.