Ja’Marr Chase Makes Risky Decision Before Bengals Season Starts

Deal or no deal, Ja’Marr Chase could be ready to join his Cincinnati Bengals on the field for the season opener.

The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver spent the summer in negotiations for a new contract extension that will lock him into Cincinnati for the near future. The two sides had been unable to reach an agreement, despite speculation that the team could announce a new contract during the season opener on Thursday Night Football, as they had with Joe Burrow's extension last year.

Chase returned to practice this week but had not given a definitive answer on whether he would take the field Sunday against the New England Patriots. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Chase said he takes the risk and plays even if he doesn't have a new deal.

Though he could be risking injury by playing, Chase hinted that he may be limited in the game if he doesn't have a new deal.

"Ja’Marr Chase says he will consider playing Sunday even without a contract extension agreement," reporter Charlie Clifford of NBC 5 Cincinnati shared on X . "Calls himself a 'game-time decision' and if he plays, he will probably be 'limited.' "

Related: ESPN's Adam Schefter Provides Insight Into Ja'Marr Chase's Contract Dispute