The wide receiver position for the Bengals is one filled with an exceptional amount of talent, but it’s not without its share of drama and intrigue. First it was Tee Higgins’ contract demands, absence from practice, and eventual signing of the franchise tender. Then it was Ja’Marr Chase’s desire for his own extension and on again off again flirtation with being a participant in practice. It’s a saga that reached epic proportions before either player ever set foot on the field in a regular season game.
For his part, Higgins stated his case for more money but ultimately signed his one-year franchise deal. He participated in offseason practices and even scored a touchdown in the first preseason game. For all of the talk of Chase’s availability this year, Bengals fans could rest assured that his opposite number was signed and would be playing. Then, seemingly out of the wild blue, very concerning news dropped on Friday. The Bengals listed Higgins as doubtful to play due to a hamstring injury.
Ja’Marr Chase planned to meet with the media on Friday to hopefully bring more clarity to his contract situation. Most Bengals fans were holding their breath for it but got precious little in terms of solid answers. He spoke with reporters for about eleven minutes in total. He stated that he would be willing to play this season without an extension. But as it pertains to the game against the Patriots, he would not absolutely commit to playing. He labeled himself a “gametime decision.” IF he was to play, he felt he could go between 40-50 snaps. He also had very complimentary things to say about the team and his teammates. Importantly, Chase also said that the Bengals made a serious offer and that it reflected ownership’s promise to do all it could to get a contract done.
And yet, there is just something unsettling about what has gone on with Chase and Higgins up until now. The Patriots game was supposed to be an opener where Cincinnati could show the league and the world that they were ready to contend for another Super Bowl. It will be the first time Joe Burrow takes the field in game action since November of last year. He deserves to do that with the absolute best offensive weapons at his disposal in terms of receivers. But he may not have either one come Sunday and it seems a shame that may be a real possibility.
On the opposite side of that coin, if there was a game to see what Andrei Iosivas can accomplish as a WR1 or see how ready Trenton Irwin and Charlie Jones are to play major snaps, this would be a good one to try it out. The Bengals signed tight end Mike Gesicki specifically for his ability to catch the football, and this might be a scenario where he gets a few more targets his way than he might otherwise. It will also be a very good game to see what the new-look backfield of Zach Moss and Chase Brown might be able to do given a larger role if Higgins and Chase sit this one out.
While the situations around Chase and Higgins are less than ideal, the Bengals season is going to begin on Sunday regardless of their health or how many snaps they play. Zac Taylor and these players almost made the playoffs last year facing one of the most difficult schedules in team history. They were no strangers to adversity in 2023 and overcame plenty of it in a valiant effort lead in large part by Jake Browning. Now, with Joe Burrow healthy there is no reason to doubt what this team could accomplish against the Patriots no matter who he may have to throw the ball to. Come what may, this team is going to march strong into 2024.
Cover photo credit to Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
