Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase's status on the injury report has been updated to "questionable" due to an illness, just one day after expressing his willingness to play without a contract extension but in a limited role. The Bengals had included Chase in their game plan this week, according to sources cited by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. However, the ongoing contract standoff between Chase and the team adds uncertainty to his playing time. Furthermore, the Bengals face another setback with Tee Higgins now listed as doubtful due to a hamstring injury, potentially limiting their options on the field.

Chase, who had woken up feeling ill on Saturday, reportedly felt better as the day progressed. Despite his illness, the Bengals had still included him in their game plan for the matchup against the New England Patriots. However, the team is prepared to make adjustments if Chase is unable to participate. The young wide receiver's status in the contract negotiations remains unresolved, posing potential implications for his involvement in the game and his performance this season.

Meanwhile, Tee Higgins, another key receiver for the Bengals, is facing his own injury setback. Higgins is now listed as doubtful to play on Sunday due to a hamstring injury. This further complicates matters for the Bengals and potentially limits their options in the passing game. With Higgins unlikely to play, and Chase potentially on a limited snap count if active, the Bengals' wide receiver corps may face significant challenges against the Patriots' defense.

The contract standoff between Chase and the Bengals adds an additional layer of intrigue to the situation. As of now, the two parties remain embroiled in negotiations for a contract extension, with Chase seeking a deal that could reset the market for wide receivers. The outcome of these negotiations could have a significant impact on Chase's future role and his long-term commitment to the team.

The Bengals will need to carefully manage their wide receiver situation, balancing the health and availability of their key players with the need to secure victories on the field. The uncertainty surrounding Chase's illness and contract negotiations, along with Higgins' injury, adds complexity to the Bengals' offensive plans for their upcoming game against the Patriots. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how the team navigates these challenges and whether Chase will have the opportunity to showcase his skills on the field.