CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals received the most positive sign they could get on Wednesday.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase participated in the first official practice of game week ahead of the team’s season opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Chase was seen participating in the individual drills portion of practice open to the media.
Chase did not participate in any of training camp and worked out during team practices sparingly while working toward a contract negotiation. Chase, who has two years remaining on his contract, has previously eyed being one of the highest-paid receivers in the league.
Chase and wide receiver Tee Higgins were among the last ones to walk out to practice Wednesday.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, citing sources, reported that Chase participated in meetings earlier Wednesday and indicated he was going to be involved as the team ramped up its preparation for Sunday.
The three-time Pro Bowler has not made any public comments the entire offseason amid the contract dispute. Chase was not expected to meet with the media after practice.
Before Wednesday’s practice, coach Zac Taylor indicated the situation was going to remain very fluid and was noncommittal about Chase’s participation, including the needed threshold for the coaching staff to feel good about Chase playing Week 1.
“We’ll see,” Taylor said. “We’re not there yet.”