In a much-anticipated return to practice on Wednesday, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase finally donned his gear for on-field work for the first time since August 27th. It was quite the sight to see for fans and teammates alike, as Chase had been holding out in hopes of securing a contract extension.
During practice, Chase was limited to individual work, showing that he is easing his way back into the team activities. The Bengals listed his participation as a rest day, emphasizing that his absence from previous team sessions was not due to any injury concerns.
Since the start of training camp, Chase has missed a total of 20 practices, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming games. Despite his return to practice, it remains uncertain whether he will be ready to play this Sunday.
In addition to Chase, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also made an appearance on the practice field, though he was listed as a full participant despite dealing with a right wrist injury. This injury dates back to last season, but this marks the first full training camp that Burrow has been able to participate in since the start of his career.
It was a positive sign for the Bengals to have all 53 players present at practice, but defensive tackle Kris Jenkins and offensive tackle Amarius Mims were limited due to thumb and pectoral injuries, respectively. These setbacks serve as a reminder of the physical toll that professional football can take on players, even in practice sessions.
As the Bengals continue their preparations for the upcoming game, the return of Ja’Marr Chase to practice brings hope and optimism for the team and its fans. With Joe Burrow also putting in the work despite his wrist injury, there is a sense of determination and focus within the team as they look ahead to the challenges that lie ahead.
