With the Cincinnati Bengals’ 2024 season opener against the New England Patriots just five days away, their star receiver Ja’Marr Chase is still absent from the practice field, continuing his hold-in throughout most of training camp. Head coach Zac Taylor has described the situation as “day by day,” but time is running out before the start of the season.
Should Bengals fans be worried about a potential Chase holdout? Former Bengals star Chad Johnson believes that Chase might hold out if he doesn’t secure a new contract by Sunday, noting that it’s often “the only way to get deals done.” However, Johnson also remains optimistic that a deal will be signed before the September 8 deadline. According to a recent ESPN report, the Bengals have ramped up their efforts to reach an agreement with Chase, and there’s precedent for late extensions. For example, Geno Atkins signed his five-year extension on September 2, 2013, and A.J. Green inked a four-year deal on September 11, 2015, right before the team left for their season opener. Joe Burrow even signed his record-breaking contract on the day of the 2023 NFL season opener. So, there’s a chance Chase could sign soon as well.
However, the possibility of a Chase holdout remains a real concern. If Chase does sit out, who will step up to fill his shoes for Burrow and the Bengals? Here are some potential candidates:
**Tee Higgins**
If Chase holds out, Higgins would become Burrow’s top target, a role he’s fully capable of handling. Despite an injury-riddled 2023 season, Higgins previously posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2021 and 2022. Standing 6-foot-4, Higgins is a big target who can stretch the field, and he’s eager to prove he’s worth a No. 1 receiver’s contract in 2024.
**Jermaine Burton**
Burton, the Bengals’ third-round pick from Alabama, could be a strong contender to step up in Chase’s absence. A noted vertical threat, Burton impressed in the preseason with 157 receiving yards and two touchdowns on eight receptions, averaging 19.6 yards per catch. He’s been hailed as one of the best picks of Cincinnati’s draft.
Cincinnati Bengals Round 3 rookie WR Jermaine Burton has overwhelmed third- and fourth-stringers this preseason.
– 42 routes
– 18.3-yard average depth of target
– 10 targets
– 8 receptions
– 157 yards and 2 TDBurton's average route depth (the distance from the line of… pic.twitter.com/6kanTnabt2
— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) August 24, 2024
**Andrei Iosivas**
Iosivas, a sixth-round pick from Princeton, caught 15 passes for 116 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. In his first start against the Cleveland Browns, he hauled in five passes for 36 yards and two touchdowns. Iosivas has been pegged as a potential replacement for Tyler Boyd in the slot and has consistently stood out in training camp.
As the season opener looms, the Bengals may need to rely on these players if Chase’s contract situation remains unresolved.
