Bengals’ Zac Taylor downplays Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins’ OTA absences: They’ll be ready at the necessary time

Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are not present at OTAs as both Cincinnati Bengals wideouts are pursuing new contracts. While their absences are generating headlines, head coach Zac Taylor doesn’t think it’ll have a negative impact on Joe Burrow and the offense when the regular season begins. 

“No, I think that they’ll get the work in at the necessary time,” Taylor said of Chase and Higgins, via CLNS Media. “And, please, we have a high turnout for voluntary workouts. I told the guys, I understand that it’s voluntary. I appreciate them showing up. The guys that don’t are still working hard elsewhere, and they’ll be back at the right time. 

“And the beauty is, we know those guys. We know what they’re about and that they’ll be ready and focused when it’s time to come back.” 

Higgins’ absence from OTAs was all but guaranteed after the Bengals placed the franchise tag on him instead of extending his contract. The general consensus is that Higgins will play this season under the tag and become an unrestricted free agent next offseason. 

Chase, however, is expected to be offered a lucrative contract extension by the Bengals, who are two years removed from back-to-back AFC Championship appearances. But Chase (who is entering the final year of his rookie contract) apparently wants an extension sooner rather than later.