The contract drama surrounding Ja’Marr Chase continues: Bengals coach Zac Taylor had to row back after his optimistic statements and is now making mysterious comments.

Last Tuesday, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was still talking about Ja’Marr Chase practicing normally last week. Less than 24 hours later, however, Taylor had to backtrack.

“I think I spoke a little too soon,” Taylor told reporters at the Bengals’ practice facility the following day.

Chase has been on a holdout since the start of training camp, but had recently participated in some sessions.

That had led Taylor to speak a bit more optimistically about the situation. The 41-year-old had also hinted that Chase would play in Week 1 of the regular season.

Just one day after the promising statements, however, the star receiver once again sat out practice.

“Ja’Marr is a great guy who means a lot to this team,” Taylor explained. “We’re going to keep working. I’m not going to make any predictions about what’s coming tomorrow.”

Apparently, a Chase appearance in the season opener against the New England Patriots is indeed anything but certain. On Monday, Taylor commented again, this time very cautiously: “We’ll take it day by day. ”

Ja’Marr Chase wants more money

Chase is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal with a base salary of $1.055 million. The receiver wants to use the holdout to put pressure on the franchise to get a lucrative contract extension

In his first three NFL seasons, the wide receiver recorded 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. The Bengals kick off the new season on September 8 against the New England Patriots.