Unlike training camp, OTAs are voluntary. Players can choose not to attend without facing financial penalties. Such absences are often associated with contract negotiations, as was the case for Ja’Marr Chase during his holdout in the 2024 season. Speaking at a youth football camp he hosted at Sycamore High School this weekend, Chase addressed his absence from the Bengals’ 2026 offseason workouts and shed light on the reasons behind it.
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“Right now, I’m just trying to get in shape,” Ja’Marr Chase said, per Jaron May on X. “Obviously, I can’t wait to be back. I’m going to be back soon. It’s not time away; it’s just giving my body more rest at the end of the day. My coaches can vouch for me; my teammates can vouch for me.
“At the end of the day, I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m not doing anything wrong. I make sure I talk back with the team and give them information, so I do a good job with that right now.”
The star receiver’s absence from the OTAs is not believed to be related to any friction with the Cincinnati Bengals. Rather, it appears to be part of a personalized training approach adopted by the veteran. Like Ja’Marr Chase, his receiving partner, Tee Higgins, has also been away from this training.
Ja'Marr Chase held his annual youth camp today. Uno on his preference for personal work instead of the team's voluntary practices, and his take on the offseason moves: "I'm not doing anything wrong. I make sure I talk back with the team and give them information." @WLWT
Earlier this month, Bengals insider Charlie Clifford also delved into this issue and even shared a possible timeline for Chase’s return to the team.
“Based on multiple conversations this week, this appears to be a veteran star transitioning to a new offseason plan, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ja’Marr Chase continues to work on his own until Cincinnati’s mandatory three-day minicamp (June 16-June 18),” Clifford reported for WLWT.
“Over the past 15+ years, this isn’t uncommon among franchise cornerstone players — specifically wide receivers, pass rushers, and quarterbacks. That was Ndamukong Suh’s decision early in his All-Pro career, and more recently, Lamar Jackson has notably chosen to skip workout bonus money in favor of training off-site.”
The Bengals will need Chase at the top of his game in what is shaping up to be a crucial season for the franchise. Since entering the league, he has been one of the most consistent performers, earning a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first five seasons and securing All-Pro honors in back-to-back years. Last season, he finished with 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns, once again establishing himself as one of the league’s premier offensive weapons.
Chase is also one year into his four-year, $161 million contract extension he signed in 2025. He is the second-highest paid receiver in the league, which should keep him more than happy. For now, he’s just focused on giving himself the best possible chance to do better for his team.