How Jerod Mayo, Patriots Handling Ja’Marr Chase Week 1 Uncertainty

It feels like there is a real chance Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase will not take the field against New England on Sunday. But that doesn't mean first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and the Patriots are easing up on their preparation.

Chase, who did not practice during training camp, was in attendance Monday but did not participate. When asked if Chase would practice Wednesday or play against the Patriots, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor reportedly told reporters: "We'll see."

The star wideout continues to sit out as he seeks a contract extension.

"It's very difficult," Mayo told reporters at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, per a team-provided video. "I told our guys, 'We're going to prepare like he's playing.' I think you have to prepare that way. If he doesn't play, we'll treat it like an injury.

"But he's a premier player in this league without a doubt and we have to be ready for him."

Taylor previously called Chase "day-to-day" and said Cincinnati would have to adapt should Joe Burrow's top target be sidelined. ESPN's Adam Schefter on Tuesday claimed Chase would not play unless he receives a contract extension.

Chase caught a career-best 100 balls for 1,216 yards in 2023. He averaged 89 catches and 1,200-plus yards in his first three seasons.