Is Ja'Marr Chase playing today? Latest on Bengals WR for Patriots clash

Both the Bengals and Patriots missed out on the playoffs last season for differing reasons. The former had Ja'Marr Chase and others missing service from Joe Burrow, who was injured, while New England was a mess offensively and had to draft a new quarterback in Drake Maye.

One of the reasons that Cincinnati finished with a winning record despite having their franchise quarterback unavailable to end the season is because of the quality of their overall offense.

Ja'Marr Chase was the key cog, as he finished with more than 1,200 yards despite such disruptions. Hence, even as Joe Burrow returns, the Bengals will be hoping that their star wide receiver remains healthy and can resume the connection with their quarterback. Cincinnati has made a habit of starting the last few seasons slowly but it will hope that is not the case against the Patriots.

Is Ja'Marr Chase playing today?

I the Bengals are to win against the Patriots, Ja'Marr Chase will need to play a big role. However, the wide receiver was listed on the injury report leading up to this game and was limited in practice for all days of the week based on an "NIR - Rest/Illness" designation. He is marked as questionable.

NIR means it is not injury-related, hence it is more likely that they were giving him some time off to be fresh for the season with some big games coming up in consecutive weeks. He is expected to be a game-time decision, but barring anything truly unforeseen, Ja'Marr Chase should be expected to start for the Bengals against the Patriots.

Update on Ja'Marr Chase status

As per reports, Chase will play the Bengals season opener despite not having a new contract signed.

Patriots vs Bengals: How to watch Week 1 game

The Bengals will host the matchup against the Patriots in Cincinnati and it will be broadcast nationally by CBS. The full details are given below.

Here's how to watch the game:

• Date: Sunday, September 8, 2024
• Time: 1 p.m. EDT
• Where: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
• TV: CBS
• Streaming: Fubo or Paramount+

Who are the announcers for the Patriots vs Bengals Week 1 encounter?

Ian Eagles will provide play-by-play coverage, with Charles Davis joining him as an analyst. Evan Washburn will be the sideline reporter providing the latest updates. This is the first meeting between the teams since the 2022 season, when the Bengals prevailed 22-18 over the Patriots.