Joe Burrows on Jesse Bates’ absence: ‘When the trade is over, we’ll accept it with open arms’

Cincinnati Bengals safety Jesse Bates was absent from training camp in contract negotiations, but the quarterback has no bad blood over the star’s absence. Bengals quarterback Joe Burroughs isn’t worried about Bates missing practice and welcomes his return.

On Wednesday, Burrow said of Bates’ absence (via SI.com ), “Jesse’s business. When he’s ready to come back, we’ll be happy to have him. Really good player, great guy, great guy. My friend, we’ll welcome him back with open arms when the trade is over.”

Because Bates has yet to sign a franchise tag, he will not be penalized for missing training camp and preseason, as he is not under contract.

For the team’s first preseason game, Bates went to Paul Brown Stadium, but not to compete against the team, but to watch the game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Last season, Bates helped the Bengals advance to the Super Bowl, losing to the Los Angeles Rams. In the postseason, he recorded two interceptions and six passes defensed in four games.

Bates joined the Bengals in 2018 when he was drafted by the team in the second round, with the No. 54 overall pick. He had 10 interceptions, one defensive touchdown, 35 pass deflections, two forced fumbles and fumble recoveries and 408 tackles while in Cincinnati.