Cincinnati Bengals Stars Absent From Start of OTAs

The Cincinnati Bengals began their organized team activities recently. However, two of the team’s star players are not currently taking part in this portion of the offseason program; wide receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase.

Higgins had the franchise tag placed on him by the organization in March. He has yet to sign his franchise tender and it would be a mild surprise to see him on the practice field until then. The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign a long-term deal is July 15th.

That is a situation people are keeping a close eye on as Higgins requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this offseason. Chase is also in line for a massive contract, as he is eligible for an extension for the first time.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has been dominant the first three seasons of his career. He has made the Pro Bowl each season and could reset the wide receiver market with his next contract.

Right now, he and Justin Jefferson are in similar positions. Jefferson, who has been in the NFL one season longer, is seeking an unprecedented extension from the Minnesota Vikings. The Cincinnati Bengals could be waiting for that deal to get done so the market for Chase is set.

While fans may be nervous about two of the most important players on the team being absent, head coach Zach Taylor isn’t too worried. These are voluntary workouts and he doesn’t believe their absence will set the offense back.

“[They] are still working hard elsewhere, and they’ll be back at the right times,” Taylor said. “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.”

Along with Higgins and Chase, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and projected starting right tackle Trent Brown are absent as well. Taylor isn’t overly concerned about that either, despite them being new additions to the team.

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to bounce back in 2024 after a disappointing 2023. They had back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances before that, and are hoping all of their key players are in the lineup and healthy come Week 1.