Ja'Marr Chase missed almost all of training camp due to a contract dispute.
The Cincinnati Bengals star was, and continues to be, looking for a lucrative contract extension, but a deal fell through as camp went back and forth.
Neither side seemed thrilled with how things were going.
And Chase's return to the team was unclear. But rather than carry that holdout into the season, he decided to take the field in Week 1.
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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) and wide receiver Tea Higgins celebrates Chase's touchdown. (Sam Green/Enquirer/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
It wasn't the best start for Cincy, going 0-3, but Chase said he felt a sense of relief after catching his first touchdown of the season on Monday night. He scored his second TD towards the end of the game.
“All the BS that went on this offseason and before the season, I'm just glad it's over,” Chase told reporters Thursday. “I finally get to play ball and have fun with my players. That's the most important thing to me.”
This offseason, a number of receivers were added, including Justin Jefferson, Jaylen Waddle, Nico Collins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, AJ Brown, DeVonta Smith, Michael Pittman, CeeDee Lamb, and Brandon Aiyuk. got paid.
Chase is still waiting on a new contract.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) bends over during the first quarter of a game against the Washington Commanders at Peiko Stadium in Cincinnati on September 23, 2024. (Albert Cesare/The Enquirer/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
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Chase got off to a slow start to the season, catching 10 passes for 97 yards in the first two games, but broke out in Week 3.
The fourth-year receiver caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores, but the Bengals lost 38-33 to the Washington Commanders.
However, Chase feels the Bengals are getting closer to making things right.
“We're right there,” Chase said. “It's not that far. It's just a matter of finishing at the end. That's the biggest thing right now.”
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Peiko Stadium. (Joseph Maiorana/Imagn Images)
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Cincinnati will play the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, avoiding a fourth loss of the season.
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