The Bengals might be missing their top two wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, for their game against the Patriots on Sunday.
Chase, who practiced only a little during the preseason while waiting for a new contract, is listed as questionable. He fully participated in Friday’s practice and told reporters that he and the team are close to finalizing a deal.
Higgins is also listed as questionable due to a hamstring injury.
Chase still has two years left on his current contract but wants to become one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL.
He mentioned that whether he plays on Sunday will be his choice. Coach Zac Taylor said this week that the situation is “day to day.”
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, a former LSU teammate of Chase, set a high bar for receivers with his four-year, $140 million contract. Recently, Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb signed a four-year, $136 million extension.
If Chase and Higgins can’t play, the Bengals will probably depend on receivers Andrei Iosivas, Charlie Jones, Trenton Irwin, and rookie Jermaine Burton, among others.