Bengals' Taylor says Chase's missed practices part of plan 'in place' - ESPN

CINCINNATI — Bengals three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase did not practice for the second straight day, although coach Zac Taylor stressed on Thursday his absence was part of an agreed-upon plan «in place» between himself and Chase.

Taylor, speaking after practice, declined to specify when Chase will be available to practice. Taylor confirmed that Chase is healthy, which then raises the question on whether Chase is in the midst of a «hold-in» amid his desire for a contract extension on his rookie deal.

When asked if it was contract-related, Taylor referred to Chase's absence as being part of the staff's plan. Taylor also gave a similar answer regarding any potential concern that this could be an extended absence for Chase, who was wearing a ballcap instead of a helmet Thursday while observing the team as it continued its first week of training camp.

«I've got clear communication with all these guys,» Taylor said, while adding that Chase's specific absence is part of «a plan that he and I have in place.»

Before the team's first practice on Wednesday, Taylor said there was a plan for other veterans such as wide receiver Tee Higgins, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and quarterback Joe Burrow.

However, all three of those players practiced in some capacity in one of the two days this week. Hendrickson sat out on Thursday after participating on the first day. Higgins was limited on Thursday, and Burrow will not throw on Friday as he continues to come back from a season-ending wrist injury.

Taylor didn't indicate whether Chase will practice on Friday.

«We'll see tomorrow,» the coach said.

The star wide receiver has been one of the Bengals' best players since the team drafted him with the fifth pick in 2021. He has made