Bengals’ Zac Taylor – He spoke too soon about Ja’Marr Chase’s status

CINCINNATI – Even the best-laid plans can be disrupted.

Less than 24 hours after Cincinnati Bengals coach Zac Taylor said Ja’Marr Chase would continue practicing this week, he did not participate Wednesday as the team continued preparing for its season opener.

Speaking to reporters after practice Wednesday, Taylor said he spoke too soon about the star receiver’s status.

“I think I probably put my foot in it by speaking too soon,” Taylor said. “Again, this is a day-to-day situation. We’re going to continue to treat it as such.”

Chase, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, participated in lighter workouts earlier in the week before the team held a more traditional practice Wednesday. Several minutes after the team began stretching, Chase entered the team’s indoor practice bubble without a uniform. Chase, who has not participated in any of the team’s practices, did not speak to reporters afterward.

Taylor confirmed that Chase remains healthy, something the receiver has maintained since the team’s mandatory minicamp in July, during which he also did not practice.

Chase currently has two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option worth $21.8 million in 2025.

Wednesday’s events also dampen what Taylor said the day before about his confidence that Chase would play in Week 1. On Wednesday, Taylor said that functionally, Chase could play in the opener against the New England Patriots on Sept. 8 if he didn’t practice this week.

But the sixth-year coach wouldn’t make any predictions about the timetable for Chase’s return.

“I think every day is a new day,” Taylor said Wednesday. “We’re going to continue to work hard. I’m not going to make any predictions about what tomorrow brings.”

“I think I probably put my foot in it by speaking too soon. Again, this is a daily situation. We will continue to treat it as such.”

Bengals coach Zac Taylor

“At the end of the day, Ja’Marr is a great guy who means a lot to this team, and we’re just going to take it day by day.”

Bengals center Ted Karras said he understands both the team and Chase when it comes to a deal of this magnitude. Chase is looking to be at the top of the receiver market that was set by the Minnesota Vikings’ Justin Jefferson this offseason, when he signed a four-year deal worth $35 million per year, including $110 million guaranteed.

“There’s absolutely no hard feelings among the players,” said Karras, who added that he was not aware of the internal negotiations between Chase and the team. “That’s between them. Hopefully they can work it out and it’ll be a really big day for Ja’Marr and this team.”