‘I put my foot in my mouth’ admits Bengals coach Zac Taylor as he’s forced to backtrack over Ja’Marr Chase remarks

CINCINNATI Bengals coach Zac Taylor has been forced to backtrack on his comments about superstar wideout Ja'Marr Chase's availability.

Amid contract negotiations, Taylor originally claimed that Chase, 24, would continue to practice this week.

But he admitted he spoke too soon after Chase missed yesterday's session.

"I think I probably put my foot in my mouth speaking too quickly," Taylor said.

"Again, this is a day-to-day situation. We'll just keep seeing it as that."

Three-time Pro Bowler Chase participated in light sessions earlier this week.

But he was not in uniform as the team stepped things up on Wednesday with the NFL opener against the New England Patriots looming on September 8.

Taylor confirmed that Chase is healthy despite missing the Bengals' offseason workouts.

"I think every day is a new day," Taylor said. "We'll keep working through it. Not going to make predictions on what tomorrow brings.

"At the end of the day, Ja'Marr's a great dude that means a lot to this team, and we'll just continue to take it day to day."

Chase has two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a $21.8 million fifth-year option.

He wants a new deal to reflect his status as one of the NFL's most talented receivers.

Fellow wideout Justin Jefferson signed a four-year extension worth $140 million with the Minnesota Vikings this summer.

It was the most valuable deal ever handed to a non-quarterback.

Bengals center Ted Karras said he understood both sides of the contract stalemate.

"There's absolute zero hard feelings among the players," he said. "That's between them.

"Hopefully they get it done and it will be a really big day for Ja'Marr and this team."

Earlier this week, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow teased another new look after showing off his blond hair.

The signal caller, 27, rocked up to training camp last month with a short, bleached blond trim.

It has since grown out somewhat, but remains blond.

At the Bengals' final preseason game, Burrow was asked about how long he plans to keep his bold new look.

"Yeah I mean I'm just going to let it grow out at this point," he said.

"It'll be a little frosted tips here in a couple of weeks, back to what my normal hair looks like.

"But then just a little blond, I think it'll look good."