The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for their upcoming regular-season game in just six days, but the big question looming over the team is whether star receiver Ja’Marr Chase will be taking the field alongside his teammates.
Chase, who has been noticeably absent from practice, showed up on Monday but opted to watch from the sidelines in street clothes. As each day passes without Chase actively participating, speculation continues to swirl about his availability for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.
“We’ll just take day to day,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor told reporters on Monday, emphasizing the team’s approach to the situation.
With no clear resolution in sight, Taylor finds himself in a tight spot when it comes to providing updates to the media. Last week, he mistakenly reassured reporters that he expected Chase to be back on the field leading up to their Week 1 matchup, only to be met with disappointment. Now, Taylor is left with little to say other than repeating his previous statements as the situation unfolds.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Chase’s status, Taylor remains adamant that the team is prepared for any outcome.
“Yeah, we’re always ready,” Taylor responded when asked about having a plan in place in case Chase is unable to play on Sunday. “There’s always injuries and things you’ve got to deal with, so we’ll adapt to that.”
As the Bengals continue their preparations for the game, all eyes will be on Ja’Marr Chase and whether he will make his long-awaited debut on Sunday. Until then, the team remains focused on staying flexible and adjusting to whatever challenges come their way.
