The Cincinnati Bengals have been making headlines with their star receiver Ja’Marr Chase as he has been noticeably absent from training camp practices. Speculation has been swirling that his absence is due to contract negotiations, with Chase potentially seeking a new deal.
While Chase has been present during previous training camp sessions, Tuesday saw a shift as he was notably missing from the field. Reporters on the scene quickly took notice of his absence, raising questions about what could be going on with the talented wideout.
Jay Morrison of ProFootballNetwork.com shed some light on the situation, noting that Tuesday’s practice seemed to be more focused on special teams, which could explain Chase’s absence. The team is also gearing up for joint practices with the Chicago Bears later in the week, adding another layer to the ongoing drama.
Despite the speculation surrounding Chase’s contract status, neither he nor the team have officially confirmed that he is staging a hold-in. However, all signs point to the receiver leveraging his absence to push for a new contract, especially considering he still has two years remaining on his rookie deal.
Head coach Zac Taylor addressed the situation, emphasizing that he and Chase have been in “good conversations” regarding his absence. Taylor reiterated that the team is taking things day-by-day, hinting that a resolution may be on the horizon.
Chase has already made a significant impact in his first three seasons in the NFL, recording impressive stats of 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. His standout performance in 2023, where he caught 100 passes for 1,216 yards and seven TDs, solidified his status as a top-tier receiver in the league.
As the drama unfolds surrounding Ja’Marr Chase and his contract negotiations, all eyes will be on the Bengals and whether they can find a resolution to keep their star receiver happy and on the field. Stay tuned for more updates as this developing story continues to unfold in Cincinnati.