Ja’Marr Chase’s ongoing contract feud has dominated headlines ahead of Sunday’s season opener between the Patriots and Bengals. And he’s now not the only Cincinnati wideout whose status for Week 1 is in doubt.
Chase’s running mate, Tee Higgins, missed the Bengals’ final Week 1 practice on Friday after popping up on the injury report Thursday with a hamstring injury. He’s officially listed as doubtful for Sunday, while Chase is questionable (not injury-related).
Higgins would be the No. 1 receiver on most teams in the NFL. The 25-year-old has topped 900 receiving yards in three of his four pro seasons, averaging 63.5 yards per game and 14.3 yards per reception in his career.
The last time the Patriots and Bengals played late in the 2022 season, Higgins dominated, catching eight of nine targets for 128 yards and a touchdown.
Durability has been an issue for the 6-foot-4, 219-pound wideout, however. Higgins missed five games last season, and four of those were due to hamstring issues.
Chase’s Week 1 availability also has been uncertain after the three-time Pro Bowler missed most of training camp amid a contract dispute. Chase participated in practice in a limited capacity this week, and Patriots players and coaches said they’re preparing as if he will play Sunday.
Speaking Friday in the Bengals’ locker room, Chase told reporters that he and the team still were “a little bit off” in contract negotiations but that he believed a new deal was “within reach.” He called himself a “game-time decision” for Sunday and said he “would probably be limited” if he did play.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor replied, “We’ll see,” when asked by reporters whether Chase or Higgins will be available against the Patriots.
New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez called the Chase-Higgins duo “a two-headed monster.” Facing the Bengals without both at full strength would make life easier for Gonzalez, who missed most of last season with a shoulder injury, and the rest Patriots’ defense.
Rounding out Cincinnati’s receiver depth chart are Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, Charlie Jones and rookie Jermaine Burton. Iosivas, a former All-American in the heptathlon, replaced departed veteran Tyler Boyd in the slot and generated considerable buzz in Bengals training camp. Third-round pick Burton reportedly is unlikely to contribute early after an underwhelming summer.
The Bengals also have receiving-focused tight end Mike Gesicki, who came over in free agency after a disappointing 2023 season with New England.
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