FOXBORO, Mass. — Will Ja’Marr Chase play against the New England Patriots on Sunday? It’s one of the hottest questions in the NFL this week, and the answer to it could go a long way toward determining whether New England has a real shot at upsetting the Bengals.
Let’s get into Chase’s situation, and how the Patriots are handling the uncertainty surrounding Cincinnati’s superstar receiver.
What’s the Latest on Ja’Marr Chase?
Chase largely punted on Bengals training camp amid his desire for a new contract. The 24-year-old had been in the building but hadn’t participated in practices.
But everything changed on Wednesday. Chase was on the field for the media-access portion of Bengals practice and ensuing videos released by the team indicate he was relatively active.
Going through the motions. pic.twitter.com/cZ8CHamUva
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 4, 2024
The day finished with the Bengals listing Chase as limited on their first injury report of the season.
So, does that mean Chase will play against the Patriots? Well, we still don’t know.
Joe Burrow said Chase is “ready to go” — but that doesn’t mean much. Moreover, even if Chase plays on Sunday, there’s a chance he does so under a strict snap count.
Chase’s Week 1 status remains unclear, but the Patriots are preparing as if he’ll be on the field at Paycor Stadium.
How Are the Patriots Preparing for Chase?
Even if Chase doesn’t play, the Patriots still would have to deal with Tee Higgins, who’s a high-end receiver in his own right. But Jerod Mayo wants his players to approach Sunday believing Cincinnati’s superstar will suit up.
“It’s very difficult,” Mayo said Wednesday. “I’ve told our guys, we’re going to prepare like he’s playing. I think you have to prepare that way. If he doesn’t play, we’ll treat it like an injury. Look, he’s a premiere player in this league without a doubt, and we have to be ready for him.”
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Chase is one of the more purely skilled receivers in the game, and he benefits from playing with an elite quarterback in Burrow. But it’s not just about the raw talent, according to Mayo.
“This guy is a great competitor,” Mayo said of Chase. “You see him going up, battling with corners and safeties. He’s a great competitor. That’s the one non-physical thing I would say about him that makes him a special player.”
LIVE: Jerod Mayo Press Conference 9/4: https://t.co/DrBYkPTGU7
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 4, 2024
Jonathan Jones, New England’s No. 2 corner, believes Chase will play.
“I think you prepare for him to be there,” Jones told reporters during Wednesday’s locker room availability. “… If I had my bet on it, he’ll be there.”
Jonathan Jones on the Ja'Marr Chase situation:
"If I had my bet on it, he'll be there." https://t.co/FqBtd5QFJM pic.twitter.com/xvoR9HTPa0
— Nicole Menner (@NicoleMenner) September 4, 2024
How the Patriots would handle defending Chase is unclear. They could double-team Chase while leaving a corner 1-on-1 against Higgins, or do the opposite. We still don’t know how Mayo’s philosophy will defer from Bill Belichick’s.
Regardless, the New England’s best cornerback would be involved.
Christian Gonzalez Eagerly Awaits Chase Matchup — and Beyond
In his first four games as a rookie, Christian Gonzalez proved capable of defending someone like Chase. Gonzalez’s consecutive performances against A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill, Garrett Wilson, and CeeDee Lamb are the primary fuel for lofty Year 2 expectations facing the former first-round pick.
Gonzalez could face a similar gauntlet this season when the Patriots open against the Bengals, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets, and San Francisco 49ers.
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“It’s always fun to take on that challenge, the superstars of the league,” Gonzalez said before Wednesday’s practice. “That’s what you dream to have as a corner.”
On Chase and Higgins, Gonzalez added: “They’ve got a two-headed monster. Both super great receivers. But that’s what you love as a corner. You love just to get that challenge. So I’m looking forward to it, for sure.”
Christian Gonzalez on Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins matchup:
"They got the two headed monster over there … the mindset doesn't change just based on who you're going against … it's a little more amped up. You get really excited to go up against that."#patriots #nfl… pic.twitter.com/fLIPoz1wKp
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) September 4, 2024
Gonzalez faced criticism throughout his underwhelming sophomore training camp. At one point, Mayo went out of his way to remind reporters that Gonzalez hadn’t proven anything in the NFL.
On Monday, Mayo was asked for insight into how Gonzalez has dealt with the pressure.
“He’s handled it well,” Mayo said. “Look, Gonzo is a man of few words, as we all know. But I’m just telling you, he has the skill set to be a premiere corner in this league. I’m excited to see his continued growth and see where it goes.”
The Patriots and Bengals will kick at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday. Follow Pro Football Network for additional updates on Chase’s status as they become available.