What Bengals QB Joe Burrow Said About Ja’Marr Chase Being Ready, and What He Wouldn’t Say About His Injured Wrist

CINCINNATI – Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase appeared to end his contract hold-in by returning to practice today, but it doesn’t mean he hasn’t been working out all along.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow revealed that fact during his weekly news conference ahead of Sunday’s season opener against the New England Patriots.

Chase’s first practice involvement since Week 18 last year has involved just two lighter workouts on Aug. 25-26.

‘It’s a Distraction’ – Bengals QB Joe Burrow Says Contract Talks Take a Toll

Chase has been catching plenty of passes from Burrow.

Asked if today was the most extensive work he’s had with Chase since last season, Burrow replied, “I wouldn’t say that.”

“We’ve had work days all offseason into training camp, into the last couple weeks,” Burrow said. “We got the work in we needed.”

It was something offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher also casually referenced earlier in the day when asked about how Chase’s absence from practice would affect him most when he returns.

“I think he’s undertaken actions to help him play when he plays,” he said. “I’m not concerned about his level of play when we have him.”

Still, having Chase back on the field with all of his teammates was a positive step — and a significant one.

“It was good to have him back,” Burrow said. “Great player. A guy we need to be our best.”

Going through the motions. pic.twitter.com/cZ8CHamUva

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 4, 2024

Burrow said he’s had “very little” involvement in Chase’s contract situation as the receiver looks for an extension to make him one of the highest-paid non-quarterbacks in the league, if not the highest-paid.

But Burrow admitted those negotiations can have a negative effect after going through the process last year, leading up to his signing a five-year, $275 million extension.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a distraction when it’s not (done),” Burrow said. “We’ve had those discussions on how it went for me and how similar or not similar it’s been.”

“He’s always been a team-first, win-first kind of guy,” Burrow added. “That’s the kind of guy Ja’Marr is, and you want to reward those guys.”

Burrow didn’t break any news where he announced Chase would definitely play Sunday. But if Chase does play, Burrow knows what to expect.

“He’s going to go out and play really well, I know that,” he said. “We’ll see for Sunday. I don’t have any expectations right now what that’s going to look like. I know if he’s out there, what type of player he’s going to be.”

The Bengals listed Chase as a limited participant on today’s injury report with a “Non-Injury Related/Rest” designation.

They listed Burrow as a full participant with his surgically repaired wrist.

Asked about his wrist, Burrow stopped short of labeling it 100% healed. He suggested it could be something he will continue to deal with for the duration of the season.

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“I feel like I’m healthy. I feel like I’m physically strong, and I’ll be able to go out and do what I need to do,” he said. “Whenever you have those kinds of injuries, it’s a process throughout the season, just like with the knee. You’re going to have some days where you feel good and some days where you don’t, and you’re going to get better throughout the season.”

While much of his rehab work has focused on getting the wrist strong enough to throw the way he’s accustomed to, a huge unknown still exists when it comes to taking a hit on it or using it to brace a fall.

It’s not something Burrow has been able to prepare for.

“I don’t think you really can,” Burrow said. “I’m confident in the work that I’ve put in, and I know that the ligament is strong at this point to be able to take those kinds of hits. I’m not too worried about it.”