Ja'Marr Chase

Ja’Marr Chase said he believes a new deal with the Bengals is within reach.

Chase spoke to the media on Friday for the first time this week, calling himself a “game-time” decision for Week 1 while also acknowledging he would play out the season even without a new contract. He also added that the Bengals told him earlier this offseason that he would receive a new contract. It was a notable press conference for the star receiver, whose camp holdout rivaled Brandon Aiyuk’s as the most notable of the offseason. If Chase does play in Week 1 against the Patriots, there’s a chance he will be on a snap count. Despite that risk, fantasy managers should start him if active, but temper expectations.