Zac Taylor's plan with Ja'Marr Chase becomes much easier to see after Bengals' latest practice
Exactly one month after beginning his "hold-in," Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase made his return to practice Chase participated with the rest of the team during Sunday's closed-to-the-media practice inside Paycor Stadium. The Bengals' X/Twitter account posted a picture of Chase catching a pass in full uniform. 14 days separated the practice from Cincinnati's […]
Exactly one month after beginning his "hold-in," Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase made his return to practice
Chase participated with the rest of the team during Sunday's closed-to-the-media practice inside Paycor Stadium. The Bengals' X/Twitter account posted a picture of Chase catching a pass in full uniform.
14 days separated the practice from Cincinnati's season-opener against the New England Patriots. Chase, a three-time Pro Bowl wideout, doesn't need too much time to get ramped up for his fourth season, but if he officially returned to practice Sunday, then it would make sense to use all two weeks.
Chase's lack of official practicing throughout the last month has not-so-secretly stemmed from his desire to sign a contract extension with the Bengals. His return could indicate an extension is close to being finalized, but that's not the most likely reasoning for this timing.
Zac Taylor and Ja'Marr Chase's plan has been fulfilled
From the very start of the "hold-in," Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had a consistent message to back it. Taylor relayed to media members that he communicated with his star receiver, and Chase's absence was part of a plan the two communicated on along with other veterans on the team.
Those other vets, like Sam Hubbard, Trey Hendrickson, and Tee Higgins, experienced their own rest days but ultimately became consistent participants when healthy. Chase remained consistent with his presence on the sideline with a hat instead of a helmet.
Chase missed out on every single training camp practice and all three preseason games. As soon as both were in the rearview mirror, he returns to practice as if nothing ever happened.
Because clearly, that was the plan.
Chase had no intention of putting his body at risk during the most grueling days of the offseason, not when reportedly $120 million in guaranteed money is at stake.
Of course, not participating in practice is far different than missing regular season games. Chase is after a bag, and he'd be forfeiting money if he didn't end up playing the real games. He'd lose nearly $2 million for sitting out Week 1 if the Bengals were to exercise the lawful penalties that are within their rights.
Despite Chad Johnson's proclamation, Chase is not in the business of missing games and giving up money, including some he's already earned.
As far as a potential extension goes, there's yet to be any word of progress according to ESPN's Ben Baby. Whether negotiations are still on-going, or one side is waiting for any potential shift in the market, nothing new is reportable.
The Bengals want to extend Chase, and Chase wants to be extended. The specifics of the extension itself is always the hurdle that needs to be conquered.
But even if it doesn't happen within the next two weeks, Chase will be out there. It's all part of the plan.
One player sticks out like a sore thumb for the Bengals to bring back if he’s cut next week
A reunion would make too much sense.
