Ja’Marr Chase’s Absence Means Either Bengals Coach Zac Taylor Talked Out of Turn or He Got Thrown Under the Bus

CINCINNATI – Add a new plot twist to the Ja’Marr Chase saga.

Actually, it’s more of a plot reversal as the Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver once again sat out practice today, one day after head coach Zac Taylor said he expected him to continue to practice and play in Week 1.

Chase, who is frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations on an extension despite having two years remaining on his contract, appeared to end his hold-in Sunday when he participated in practice for the first time since the end of last season.

Ja’Marr Chase’s Status For Practice, Games Is Day to Day Again

Chase participated in a light practice that wasn’t open to the media, and the Bengals touted his return with a picture of him on their social media accounts.

Chase was back on the field Monday for another light, closed practice.

And on Tuesday during his news conference following roster cuts, Taylor offered a definitive “yes” when asked if he expected Chase to play in Week 1.

After today’s practice, he had to walk back a few of the things he had said a day earlier.

“I think I probably put my foot in my mouth speaking too quickly,” Taylor said.

“Every day is a new day. We’ll keep working through it. I’m not going to make predictions on what tomorrow brings,” he added. “At the end of the day, Ja’Marr’s a great dude that means a lot to this team. And we’ll just continue to take it day to day.”

While Chase’s odd pivot from not practicing to practicing to not practicing again has left some things up in the air, Taylor said a few things are certain.

First, Chase is healthy. The question there was met with another definitive “yes.”

Second, conditioning is of zero concern.

“He does a great job with that,” Taylor said.

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Third, Chase could play in Week 1 even if he skips practice again Thursday.

The team is off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The players will return to practice Monday in preparation for the opener against the New England Patriots.

And fourth, Chase’s absence has not created any concerns about the offense.

“We’ve got really good players,” Taylor said. “That’s what’s good about us; we’ve got really good depth at the skill position spot on offense. A lot of guys are working at practice to get those reps.

“Of course, we’d love for him to be practicing and get those reps, but at the same time, it does give other guys an opportunity to continue to step up in that role and show us why they’re here.”

Taylor wasn’t scheduled to speak to the media today, but Chase’s decision to skip work had to be addressed.

He tried to make light of the matter a couple of times, but it’s obviously troubling if his Tuesday comments were the product of an agreement he had with Chase that the receiver decided to break, leaving his coach hanging out to dry.

Whatever beef Chase has with his contract, it has nothing to do with Taylor, so it should be concerning that this is the way he is treating a coach who has had his back at every turn.

“I think it’s wise for me just to say we’re gonna take it day to day and see what tomorrow brings,” Taylor said.