CINCINNATI — Ja’Marr Chase took part in practice for the first time this season.
The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver has been holding in as he negotiates a contract extension with the team and watched every practice — except one he didn’t show up to — from the sideline.
On Sunday, the team’s first practice following the conclusion of the preseason, he rejoined his teammates on the field. He was a full participant and the team expects him to practice all week, sources told The Athletic. The Bengals also posted a photo on X of Chase at practice.
One rep at a time.
📸: https://t.co/jsfUsfbUzf pic.twitter.com/GH2esOwei0
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 25, 2024
The practice was not open to the media.
Chase has been sneaking in throwing sessions outside of practice time over the last week, whether in the indoor facility after practice or on the fields before the day’s team work, but this was his first time back in full with everyone.
With exactly two weeks until the opener against the New England Patriots, this gives a long enough runway for Chase ramp up to game shape.
Chase has two years remaining on his rookie contract. The club exercised his fifth-year option for the 2025 season.
Bengals president Mike Brown stated before training camp began the team would “bend over backward” to sign Chase, but this might not be the best time to negotiate. Outside of Joe Burrow last year, whose contract broke every Bengals’ precedent, Cincinnati has never signed a first-round pick to an extension before their fourth season.
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(Photo: Katie Stratman / USA Today)
