An issue in contract negotiations is not why Joe Burrow is not practicing with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Taylor quickly and firmly denied that Burrow's absence is related to the inability between the quarterback's side and the Bengals to reach a contract extension.

Burrow has not participated in practice since he suffered a strained right calf on the second day of preseason workouts.

Throughout Burrow's contract negotiations and injury recovery, the Bengals have remained tight-lipped about where things stand.