Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is absent from practice as he awaits a contract extension.

Why it matters: Chase's absence raises questions about the progress of negotiations and his availability for training camp.

• Coach Zac Taylor stated that the situation with Chase is day-to-day and will be taken one day at a time.
• Team president Mike Brown indicated that a deal before the start of training camp was unlikely but did not rule anything out.

What to watch: The Bengals' offense heavily relies on Chase's playmaking ability, and his absence could impact their preparations for the upcoming season.

• Chase, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, did not participate in voluntary offseason workouts and has declined to speak to reporters since last season.
• He has two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $21.8 million.

Yes, but: While Chase's absence may cause concern among fans, the Bengals have dealt with contract situations before and have a track record of eventually reaching agreements with key players.

• In 2020, the team reached an extension with star running back Joe Mixon just before the start of the regular season.

What's next: The Bengals will continue to negotiate with Chase's representatives to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

• The team values Chase's talent and contributions to the offense, and they are likely to prioritize securing his long-term commitment.

The bottom line: As training camp approaches, the Bengals will hope to resolve the contract situation with Chase and have him back on the field to build chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow.

Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is absent from practice as he awaits a contract extension.

Why it matters: Chase's absence raises questions about the progress of negotiations and his availability for training camp.

• Coach Zac Taylor stated that the situation with Chase is day-to-day and will be taken one day at a time.
• Team president Mike Brown indicated that a deal before the start of training camp was unlikely but did not rule anything out.

What to watch: The Bengals' offense heavily relies on Chase's playmaking ability, and his absence could impact their preparations for the upcoming season.

• Chase, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, did not participate in voluntary offseason workouts and has declined to speak to reporters since last season.
• He has two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a fully guaranteed fifth-year option worth $21.8 million.

Yes, but: While Chase's absence may cause concern among fans, the Bengals have dealt with contract situations before and have a track record of eventually reaching agreements with key players.

• In 2020, the team reached an extension with star running back Joe Mixon just before the start of the regular season.

What's next: The Bengals will continue to negotiate with Chase's representatives to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

• The team values Chase's talent and contributions to the offense, and they are likely to prioritize securing his long-term commitment.

The bottom line: As training camp approaches, the Bengals will hope to resolve the contract situation with Chase and have him back on the field to build chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow.