Cincinnati Bengals star broad receiver Ja’Marr Chase thinks the group starters would possibly must play within the preseason to keep away from extra early bumps within the highway.
Talking to reporters at Cincinnati’s OTA offseason exercises, Chase prompt to ensure that the Bengals to get off on the suitable foot this season – the starters would possibly must play earlier.
Historically, starters are rested in preseason as to keep away from the chance of damage in non-competitive video games however the Bengals merely can’t afford one other sluggish begin which might value them one more postseason berth.
Chase stated: “Feels like we have to play within the preseason, huh?”
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was open to the thought too: “The one factor I do be ok with is taking part in our guys within the preseason.
“That’s all the time topic to vary, relying on well being and the way issues go along with our group throughout coaching camp, however that’s one factor that we’ve overtly talked about with our gamers, and I feel will assist us as we do it.”
WATCH: Ja’Marr Chase on the potential of taking part in in preseason
Two minutes with Ja’Marr Chase on taking part in within the preseason and gradual begins.
Does he wish to play? Not likely. Does he get the connection? Completely.
Stated final 12 months he was in his personal head for the week one loss. #Bengals @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/BbVUSNqZVN
— Jeremy Rauch (@FOX19Jeremy) Might 27, 2025
Why do the Cincinnati Bengals begin gradual?
In six seasons below Taylor, the Bengals have gone 1-11 within the first two weeks of the marketing campaign and 4-13-1 via three weeks.
That merely doesn’t replicate the expertise of the group and the one 12 months they loved an environment friendly begin in 2021, they gained the AFC Championship and reached the Tremendous Bowl.
A fast begin is crucial to their playoff hopes and taking part in the starters in preseason may very well be the important thing to unlocking Cincinnati’s promising potential earlier, getting high quality reps for the celebs.
Following the Bengals schedule launch for 2025, the group shall be glad to see a visit to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 1 – who’re projected to have the worst document within the NFL this season.
In 2024, Cincinnati went 0-3 to start out the 12 months together with a Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots who went on to complete with a 4-13 document and resulted in first 12 months head coach Jerod Mayo dropping his job.
The gradual begins have additionally been attributed to a piece of unhealthy luck on Cincinnati’s half. In yearly since his rookie season in 2020, star quarterback Joe Burrow has handled a severe damage heading into the beginning of the marketing campaign.
Final 12 months, Chase was embroiled in intense contract negotiations which undoubtedly performed an element on his thoughts. He skipped all the group’s coaching camp exercises as his group labored on securing an extension.
That gained’t be an issue this time round and Burrow additionally seems to be absolutely wholesome. To not point out Chase’s fellow star wideout Tee Higgins has additionally signed a brand new four-year take care of the membership price $115 million.
Everybody has been paid, there are not any well being points and Cincinnati can now deal with straight soccer.
