In a much-anticipated development, wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been declared active for the Cincinnati Bengals' season opener against the New England Patriots. The news comes after Chase's questionable status due to a contract hold-in during training camp and an illness he experienced Saturday morning.

Chase, who had previously expressed his determination to play, made the final decision to take the field on Sunday. His commitment to the game was evident as he participated in warmups with the team, spending most of the morning preparing alongside assistant Troy Walters. Notably, Chase was the first receiver to catch passes from quarterback Joe Burrow during the warmup session.

However, despite the wide receiver's willingness to play without a contract extension, sources have reported that he and the Bengals were unable to reach an agreement on new terms for the three-time Pro Bowler ahead of the season opener. It was also revealed that Chase still has two years remaining on his current rookie deal.

The inclusion of Chase in the game lineup provides some relief for the Bengals, considering they will be without wide receiver Tee Higgins, who has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury. With Higgins unavailable, the team will be heavily reliant on Chase's contributions to their offensive game plan.

Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching Chase's performance in the season opener as he showcases his skills without a new contract. Despite the absence of a revised agreement, Chase's dedication to his team and the game remains unwavering.

As the Bengals take on the Patriots, all eyes will be on Ja'Marr Chase to see how he handles the challenges of the game, showcasing his talents and proving himself as a formidable force on the field.