Will Ja'Marr Chase play in Week 1? Contract situation, practice availability puts Bengals star in tough spot before regular season

The Bengals could be without their most dangerous offensive weapon going into Week 1.

Star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been "holding in" this offseason as he hopes for a new contract ahead of the 2024 NFL season.

The 24-year-old is in the final year of his rookie deal, longing to be paid for his production as one of the best playmakers in the league. Chase has been spotty at Cincinnati's training camp during the preseason, and with its first game just days away, his contract negotiations are in danger of trickling into the regular season.

Will Chase be available for the Bengals to start the year? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.

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Will Ja'Marr Chase play in Week 1?

The ongoing contract negotiations between Chase and Cincinnati's front office leave his status ahead of the Bengals' Week 1 clash with the Patriots up in the air.

However, the star wide receiver did show up to Wednesday's practice in full uniform after logging several days as a non-participant, which is a good sign for his potential availability.

"We'll just take it day by day," head coach Zac Taylor said of Chase's situation last Monday, via ESPN's Adam Schefter.

As of four days before the first game of the season, it appears Chase is trending in the right direction even without his contract situated.

Check back for updates on the latest information around Chase's contract situation and Week 1 availability.

Will Ja'Marr Chase play this season?

This is the multi-million dollar question.

Chase is in the final year of his rookie contract, set to only make $1.05 million in base salary if he plays without a new deal this season. That figure would make him one of the lowest-paid starting receivers in the NFL, so it's understandable that he's holding out for more money before putting his body and health on the line.

Chase is reportedly looking for the same contract as his former LSU teammate Justin Jefferson, who signed a four-year, $140 million contract ($110 million guaranteed) with the Vikings this offseason to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

As NFL insider Ian Rapoport mentioned, Chase is contractually obligated to play because he is not injured, meaning you should expect to see the superstar receiver on the field at some point in 2024, likely as early as Week 1 if the Bengals feel his conditioning is up to speed. 

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Ja'Marr Chase rookie contract

As noted above, Chase will only make $1.05 million in base salary if he plays without a new deal this season.

It's worth noting that Chase signed a four-year, $30.8 million deal as a rookie, with most of the money coming in the way of a signing bonus and roster bonus, so he's still making a decent amount overall this season.

In the very off-chance he plays a full season without a new contract and still cannot reach an agreement with the Bengals next spring, he has a club option worth $21.8 million for the 2025 season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026.

(All contract figures per Spotrac.)

Ja'Marr Chase fantasy outlook 2024

As of now, there appears to be no reason to pass on Chase due to his contract situation.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor seems confident in Chase's availability for the start of the season, and Chase is contractually obligated to play.

Use CeeDee Lamb as an example of a star player who may have gotten passed on in early fantasy drafts due to his contract situation but got a deal done before the season and is ready to go.

Chase is one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL and Joe Burrow's favorite target. He'll be in store for another big year after his star quarterback missed most of last season due to injury.

Chase is still in Tier 1 of The Sporting News' fantasy football expert Ed Williams' updated rankings. He sits fifth behind CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Justin Jefferson.

Chase's contract situation should give you enough pause before taking him over one of those four receivers but not scare you away from drafting him ahead of other options he is clearly better than when available.

Ja'Marr Chase stats

Chase burst onto the scene in his first season, going off for 81 receptions, 1,455 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns to earn 2021 AP Offensive Player of the Year.

A hip injury cost him five regular season games during his second season, and an injury to star quarterback Burrow altered his production last season.

Chase has still tallied 268 receptions, 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns in just 45 games over three seasons.