Ja’Marr Chase made a surprise guest appearance at a Cincinnati Bengals practice.
Chase is requesting a new contract because he has two years remaining on his rookie pay-scale contract, which includes a team option that has already been approved for the 2025 season.
The former LSU graduate, who has developed into one of the league’s best receivers in just three seasons, had not practiced with the Bengals heading into the regular season but showed up and participated in practice on Sunday.
Chase only showed up on select days leading up to Sunday for individual work and walk-throughs.
The Bengals attracted attention when they posted a photo of Chase’s return on Twitter.
This marks a step towards the fourth-year receiver returning fully to the team, though it is unclear if he would return on a new contract, which has not been reported as of this writing.
Chase returned to practice just days after the Bengals finished their preseason games.
They open their 2024 campaign on Sept. 8 at home against the New England Patriots.
Chase, 24, recorded a career-high 100 catches for 1,216 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft recorded 268 receptions, 3,717 yards receiving and 29 touchdowns during his tenure.
Chase led the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in 2022 as a rookie, where the star wide receiver had five catches for 89 yards in a game where the team lost 23-20 to the Rams.
The Bengals missed the playoffs last year for the first time since 2020.
Chase isn’t the only big-name receiver to opt out during camp, with Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb also still opting out. Without the desired contract extension.
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk also wants a new contract. And there’s a chance it could be traded..
