Bengals three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase took the field at Paycor Stadium around 10:45 a.m. on Sunday and was then assigned to the opening game against the Patriots after completing his game preparation routine with position coach Troy Walters.

Chase’s running mate Tee Higgins was sidelined after being questionable with a hamstring injury, opening up a receiver slot for rookie Jermaine Burton to make his NFL debut.

Chase’s participation was questionable all week after returning to practice on Monday, and he was reported sick on Saturday after missing a training camp amid negotiations for his contract extension.

But he was back on his feet on Sunday, although it was unclear how many snaps he would take while battling his illness.

_In addition to Higgins, the inactive list included wide receiver Kendric Pryor, who was called up to the practice squad, as well as rookies at right tackle Amarius Mims, defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr., defensive end Cedric Johnson and tight end Tanner McLachlan.

_Now the guesswork begins on how much Chase will play. On Friday, Chase said he won’t let Higgins’ condition affect him and he thought he could play about as many snaps as he normally does, estimating the number at 40 to 50. Now Higgins is out and Chase is battling an illness.