CINCINNATI – The Bengals received the most positive sign they could have on Wednesday.

Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase participated in the first official practice of the game week ahead of the team’s season opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Chase was seen participating in individual drills open to the media.

Go through the procedure. pic.twitter.com/cZ8CHamUva

—Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) 4 September 2024

Chase did not participate in training camp and worked out sparingly during team practices while working toward a contract negotiation. Chase, who has two years left on his contract, previously had his sights set on becoming one of the league’s highest-paid receivers.

Chase and wide receiver Tee Higgins were among the last to arrive for practice on Wednesday.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported, citing sources, that Chase attended meetings Wednesday morning and indicated that he would also be involved in the team’s intensified preparations for Sunday.

The three-time Pro Bowler has not made any public comments throughout the offseason amid the contract dispute. Chase was not expected to meet with the media after practice.

Before practice on Wednesday, coach Zac Taylor indicated that the situation remains very uncertain and was noncommittal about Chase’s participation, including the threshold necessary for the coaching staff to feel comfortable with Chase playing in Week 1.

“We’ll see,” Taylor said. “We’re not there yet.”