Following the declaration by Bengals coach Zac Taylor that Ja’Marr Chase would resume practicing, the Bengals star receiver made an appearance in street clothes, while his teammates geared up for the upcoming regular season. Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, had been holding out during training camp as he sought a contract extension. The 2021 first-round pick is in the final year of his rookie contract and is aiming for a lucrative extension that would place him among the highest-paid players at his position.
Speaking on the situation, Taylor said, “Every day is a new day. We are working through it. I am not going to make any predictions on what tomorrow brings. At the end of the day, Ja’Marr is a great dude that means a lot to this team. We are going to continue to take it day to day.”
There was a noticeable shift between Taylor’s remarks on Tuesday and the developments at Wednesday’s practice. Speculation arose concerning the status of Chase’s contract talks with the Bengals, raising concerns about reaching a new deal before Week 1. Bengals owner Mike Brown usually refrains from negotiating contracts during the season, leaving Chase and the team with a brief window to find a resolution.
Chase seems prepared to prolong his absence from practice as he awaits a favorable deal. Thankfully, the Bengals boast depth at the wide receiver position that can compensate for Chase’s potential absence in the regular season. Tee Higgins, a former two-time 1,000-yard receiver, remains a reliable option, along with rookie third-round pick Jermaine Burton, who showcased his skills with numerous impressive plays during the preseason. The team is also confident in the abilities of complementary wideouts Andrei Iosivas, Trenton Irwin, and Charlie Jones.
As the tension surrounding Chase’s contract situation continues to build, the Bengals are hoping for a swift resolution that will secure their star receiver for the upcoming season. The clock is ticking, and both parties will need to come to an agreement soon to ensure a smooth start to the regular season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.