The drama continues for the Bengals and receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
What’s Happening on the Field?
Once again, Chase is not practicing on Thursday, according to multiple reporters on the scene. The young star strutted onto the field in street clothes as the team drilled early on in the session, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads and speculating about his status.
A Changing Narrative
Things between the Bengals and Chase seemed peachy earlier in the week, as head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence that the receiver would play Week 1 after he’d returned to practice. “It’s like a rollercoaster,” many fans would say. But then the plot thickened on Wednesday, as Chase was once again absent — just as he had been throughout training camp.
Uncertainty Surrounds the Season Opener
Now, it’s a waiting game to see whether Chase will suit up for the season opener against the Patriots. Taylor said before practice that he “wasn’t going to make any predictions” about whether Chase would be on the field, acknowledging it would likely be a repeat of Wednesday. But Taylor also emphasized that Chase has been on top of things in the building.
Taylor’s Stubborn Optimism
“He’s been in every meeting,” Taylor firmly stated. “So, he knows everything. He’s been in the system for the three years he played in it, a fourth year now. So, again, he knows everything.”
Adjusting and Adapting
Taylor also noted that the Chase situation has not made things too much more difficult when it comes to prepping for the season. “In this league, every week brings a form of adversity and you’ve got to find the positives in it,” Taylor said with a grin that said more than words could. “Our team has found the positives in it and is able to support a teammate, find positives for other teammates, and continue to move forward. You can’t waste a day complaining about a situation. You’ve just got to make the most of it and keep pushing. And that’s what our guys have done. Again, we’re all on the same page. We’re all on board with this thing. So, just excited to get to game week.”
