Regardless of observe no-shows, Bengals count on prime Ja'Marr Chase when he decides to play

CINCINNATI — The reference was delicate — however notable.

Regardless that Cincinnati Bengals vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase hit the practice field on Wednesday because the workforce ready for Sunday’s season opener in opposition to the New England Patriots (1 p.m. ET, CBS), quarterback Joe Burrow stated it wasn’t essentially the most intensive throwing session he is had together with his longtime good friend for the reason that finish of final season.

What was?

Just a few workdays through the offseason, Burrow stated. And when requested at his locker if that meant some non-public throwing periods with Chase, Burrow circled and flashed a smile.

“You are taking it the way you need it,” he added with fun.

Whereas nearly all the things surrounding Chase stays unsure heading into Week 1, one factor is not: the idea that ought to Chase determine he is out there for the season opener, he shall be bodily able to go.

Ja’Marr Chase, right here for the primary observe of the sport week. pic.twitter.com/UEqvNLTwcK

— Ben Child (@Ben_Baby) September 4, 2024

Between the work within the offseason and the prep that Chase has had regardless of the dearth of practices, he would not miss a step if he performed, in line with his coaches and teammates.

“He appears quick and robust like he at all times does,” Burrow stated on Wednesday. “I do know he is been doing what he must do to remain prepared if he must be prepared.

“I am assured that if he does go on the market on Sunday then he’ll be the Ja’Marr everyone knows.”

Formally, he was restricted in observe with a relaxation designation, however the extra correct clarification is Chase made a optimistic step after lacking all of coaching camp amid a contract dispute.

However whereas he wasn’t practising, Cincinnati has felt good in regards to the prep work behind the scenes. Along with taking part in walkthroughs, Chase has earned reward for what he is carried out away from the sector as he will get prepared for the season.

“He is been at each assembly, so he is aware of all the things,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor stated. “He is been within the system now for 3 years, within the fourth yr now.”

Taylor has been hesitant to make any definitive feedback on Chase all through his contract dispute because the three-time Professional Bowler appears to money in on his early NFL success and change into one of many highest-paid receivers. The one agency remark backfired when Taylor’s feedback about Chase’s participation all through the week of Aug. 24 by no means got here to fruition as Chase determined to take a seat out as a substitute.

Nevertheless, regardless of the dearth of labor, Taylor has indicated he feels good about the place Chase is bodily. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach this offseason, stated there was no set quantity Chase wanted to observe so as to be ok with his potential utilization on Sunday.

“Preparation is a vital a part of on the point of play video games, however I haven’t got a ‘Hey, this threshold needs to be met for this particular person on this explicit occasion,'” Pitcher stated on Wednesday. “We take it day-by-day and make the perfect resolution we predict we are able to make within the second.”

In fact, this might all hinge on whether or not Chase will get the contract extension he is in search of or decides to play regardless of the dearth of a brand new deal.

Because the opener nears, a number of gamers have referenced the unknown and the quantity of fluidity that exists, and that features Burrow, who has performed with Chase for about so long as he is been a outstanding quarterback. The duo helped lead LSU to a nationwide championship on the finish of the 2019 faculty soccer season.

After Burrow was taken with the primary total choose in 2020, Cincinnati drafted Chase with the fifth total choose in ’21 and promptly had its finest season in 33 years, reaching the Tremendous Bowl. Burrow underscored the significance of getting Chase on the sector but additionally acknowledged how that call is out of his fingers.

“We’ll see for Sunday,” Burrow stated relating to Chase’s standing. “I haven’t got any expectations proper now what that is going to appear like.

“I do know if, he is on the market, what kind of participant he will be.”