Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had a great reaction on Friday night to a less-than-ideal situation.
Bengals safety Jessie Bates still hasn’t reported to training camp as he continues to express his displeasure with not receiving a long-term deal this summer.
Bates was franchise tagged by Cincinnati, but he hasn’t signed it yet.
On Friday night, Bates attended the Bengals’ preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.
📽️Jessie Bates III is at the #Bengals game.@WCPO @jlbiii3 pic.twitter.com/ikhlTLqLDD
— Caleb Noe (@CalebNoeTV) August 13, 2022
Taylor was asked after the game if knew Bates was in the building.
He revealed he was unaware that Bates was at the game while bringing some levity to the situation.
“He was in my suite I think,” said a joking Taylor. “Nah, I’m just kidding. I didn’t know that.”
“[I] trust that he’s in great shape and wherever he gets here, he’ll be ready to go,” added Taylor.
Head Coach Zac Taylor and Bengals players speak to the media. https://t.co/jM2KLTWL6O
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) August 13, 2022
Bates is a key part of the Bengals’ defense. And he’s a popular player among his teammates.
While it’s hard to see him being part of Cincinnati’s long-term plans at this point, he’ll likely spend one more season with the Bengals.
I’d expect Bates to report later this month.
