Chase doesn't want Burrow to rush back from injury for Week 1

Cincinnati Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase would prefer to see quarterback Joe Burrow return when he's completely healthy instead of rushing back for the start of the regular season.

"I told him that, with all honesty, I don't want him there," Chase told NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano. "Same thing with me last year. ... I sat out an extra game just to let my hip all-the-way heal up. You don't want to cause no other problems later on in the season. I told him as long as you're there after Week 5 and on, we're good, brother."

Burrow is currently being held out of practice after suffering a calf injury last week. His status for the team's season opener against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 10 remains up in the air. Head coach Zac Taylor initially said Burrow wouldn't be able to return for several weeks.

Chase said Burrow didn't give an exact timeline on when he thinks he'll be ready to play again. Trevor Siemian or Jake Browning could start Week 1 if Burrow isn't ready.

Chase also confirmed he wants Burrow to take his time to ensure the team's postseason success rather than a hot start to the season. The Bengals started 2-3 last season before finishing 12-4 and appearing in the AFC Championship Game. In 2021, Cincinnati earned a trip to Super Bowl LVI before losing in the big game.

Missing preseason competition isn't new for Burrow. The Pro Bowl passer didn't play in exhibition games during his rookie campaign in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He took just a few snaps in 2021 as he worked his way back from an ACL/MCL injury. Last preseason, he missed time in camp after having an appendectomy.

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