With the 2024 regular-season opener two weeks away, Joe Burrow got some meaningful practice time with his No. 1 wideout for the first time this summer.
Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase, who's been the subject of a hold-in as he seeks a new contract, participated in team practice for the first time during training camp on Sunday, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported, per sources.
Pelissero added that there is no new contract yet for Chase, who is in the fourth year of his rookie deal.
The Bengals all but announced Chase's return to practice with a photo posted on social media.
Chase has been present throughout training camp and was there for the team's offseason program while seeking a new deal. The fourth-year wideout has been participating in some individual drills and walk-throughs on certain days in camp, but taking part in practice with the regular season fast approaching is certainly noteworthy.
Amid an exploding WR market, Chase, 24, has been looking to get compensated as one of the league's top play-making wideouts. It's a concerted effort despite the Bengals having two years of team control before free agency or a potential franchise tag even comes into play.
The dynamic WR has been an integral part of Cincinnati's turnaround since 2021, beginning with a rookie season that saw him produce 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns as the Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI. Chase has logged consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons since then, including last year's campaign in which he caught a career-high 100 receptions. The former No. 5 overall pick has yet to miss the Pro Bowl.
Bengals owner Mike Brown has expressed great interest in keeping Chase in Cincinnati for the long term, saying the team is "gonna bend over backwards to get it done," but couldn't say when that plan will come to fruition.
While a new contract has yet to materialize, Chase is now gearing himself up for the 2024 season. The Bengals host the Patriots on Sept. 8 in the season opener.
