DJ Turner II showing up for Bengals OTAs is a significant development for the remainder of the offseason, here’s why
The first day of Cincinnati Bengals OTAs took place Monday, and the team cleverly revealed WR Ja’Marr Chase, QB Joe Flacco, and CB DJ Turner II were practicing.
The first day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) for the Cincinnati Bengals is in the books, and the team cleverly revealed a few key players were in attendance.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, backup quarterback Joe Flacco, and cornerback DJ Turner II were all shown in uniform and practicing with the rest of the team Monday afternoon. It’s the first time all three players have participated in this year’s offseason program.
Cincinnati sees key players back at practice
Chase is the star of the trio and had been conducting his own offseason workout program. A recent report stated he wasn’t likely to show up until mandatory minicamp took place between June 16-18. It turns out he was just bypassing the voluntary workouts.
Flacco, who re-signed with the Bengals in March, is also back in the building. The 41-year old returns this year as Joe Burrow’s backup after starting six games for the three-time Pro Bowler last season. He’s been around his fair share of OTAs in his career. It’s no big deal for him to have skipped workouts and such last month.
That leaves Turner, who has significantly more to gain this year than both Chase and Flacco. It’s why his arrival is the main story here.
DJ Turner II’s arrival to Bengals OTAs is a message in all the best ways
Turner is coming off his best season as a pro. He was in the mix for his first Pro Bowl nod as he produced one of the best statistical campaigns for a corner in 2025. He’s still just 25 years old, and is being looked at as a new leader in the locker room.
He’s also entering the last year of his rookie contract. That matters in the late spring and early summer.
Turner had a choice here. He could’ve stayed away from OTAs, and reported to minicamp without practicing in order to communicate his desire for a long-term contract extension. He wouldn’t have been the first in Bengals colors to do so.
Holdouts, or hold-ins, have also led to more drama than actual contract resolutions in Cincinnati. Chase and Trey Hendrickson know what that’s like.
Turner showing up and practicing is a great sign for the Bengals. The club should be working for the remainder of the offseason to get a deal done, and The fourth-year CB can continue leading by example and being around the rest of the defense as he grow into a leader of that side of the ball.
On a day when the AFC North just got rid of arguably its best overall player, Cincinnati can feel good with one OTA practice in the books.