Bengals head coach updates Chase's situation and names starters as right tackle and cornerback

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Bengals head coach Zac Taylor on Monday updated the status of disgruntled wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase for next Sunday's regular season opener against the New England Patriots, officially naming the starter at right tackle and for the open cornerback position.

Taylor did not comment on whether or not Chase will play after missing practice on Monday as he continues to argue with Bengals management over a lucrative contract extension he is seeking.

“We’re just taking it day by day,” Taylor said.

Taylor said the team has a contingency plan in case Chase decides not to play.

“We're always ready,” Taylor said. “There are always injuries and things to deal with, so we'll adapt to him.”

When asked if Chase would receive a contract extension or choose to play without one if he was physically ready to play a full game, Taylor said, “I can't say with 100 percent certainty, but I have a good feeling about his condition.”

Chase has only participated in two practices since training camp began on July 24, and both of those were light walk-through workouts on August 25 and 26 where the media was not present.

Chase arrived late to watch practices last Wednesday and Thursday, but was on time for practice on Monday and helped the wide receivers during the 15-minute practice window open to the media.

While it is still unclear what will happen to Chase, Taylor clarified that veteran free agent Trent Brown will start at right tackle and Dax Hill will start at outside cornerback opposite Cam Taylor-Britt.

Rookie first-round pick Amarius Mims is still recovering from a pectoral muscle injury sustained in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 10, but he appears to be making good progress, having participated in drills at each of the last three practices.

When asked if Mims could play against New England, Taylor said, “We're going to do our best all week.”

Brown's experience prevailed, while Mims is still recovering from his injury.

“We'll get that situation under control as we go forward, but having a freshman not practice today would certainly be a hindrance to starting the game,” Taylor said. “Trent has done a great job for us. We've managed him throughout training camp. He's a professional, he's done a really good job throughout training camp and I'm excited to watch him work.”

Hill, who came in from the safety position where he struggled as a starter last season, beat out second-year player DJ Turner in the battle for the starting cornerback position, even though Taylor said Turner will play.

“It was a great battle,” Taylor said. “It wasn't like one of the two failed, so the other is the starter. They were two guys that I really felt like brought out the best in each other. For Dax to be able to take on that responsibility, I think it's good. That doesn't mean DJ doesn't play, that we don't have roles for the other guys. It's a long season, so the guys have to be ready when their chance comes.”