Cincinnati Bengals Star Talks Absence of WR, Says Team Does Not Blame Him

The Cincinnati Bengals and star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase stayed in the headlines once again on Thursday when Chase showed up to practice but again did not participate.

As week one draws closer and closer, a close microscope is being kept on the superstar as he seeks a new contract and sits out of practice as a result.

Despite the fact that the team has been hard at work on the practice field while Chase has sat out, it doesn't sound like there is any ill will from the locker room towards him. One of the team leaders and best players on the team in center Ted Karras was asked by media about the situation and said the team supports Chase as he pursues his contract.

"I think it’s been handled fantastically. I understand the business aspect of it," Karras said . "There is absolutely zero hard feelings amongst any players, if that’s what you’re getting at. I don’t know the internal negotiations upstairs. Obviously, that’s between them. Hopefully they get it done....No one has been loose lipped about it. We all understand the business aspect of what’s going on. we’re all rooting for him to get done a deal he likes that will help this organization for a long time...Everyone has been doing a great job of maintaining respect and keeping it out of the personal realm. Keeping it strictly business.”

As Chase continues to push team brass to give him a deal now rather than next season, the question of how far he is willing to go will soon be answered with week one upon us.