Cincinnati Bengals Superstar Back at Practice, Ends Hold-In

Ja'Marr Chase has been making headlines all summer and training camp due to his decision to "hold-in" while he and his camp negotiate a contract extension. While Chase was at practice, he was not taking part in team drills nor was he ever available for preseason games.

Nevertheless, he was a practice on Sunday.

Getting one of the top receivers in the NFL back to practice is a massive development for the Cincinnati Bengals. In all reality, without Chase, the path back to the playoffs gets significantly more difficult.

Chase's hold-in was not going to spill into the regular season, no matter what the most pessimistic fan or national reporter who is not in the know would suggest. Chase is an integral part of the Bengals' team and was likely just holding in to avoid a needless injury. His roster spot was not in danger and this chemistry with Joe Burrow was not going to be messed up by a few missed practices, so he had no incentive.

It was reported earlier in the week that Chase's camp was looking for a record-breaking contract. Earlier in the offseason, Bengals owner Mike Brown made the comment that while they don't want to get the deal done this offseason, they will "bend over backwards" to get it done.

Some have speculated that the Bengals were going to wait to announce the possible new deal as Thursday Night Football between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens kick-off to start the season as they did with the Burrow contract.

Chase comes into the 2024 season with 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns off 268 receptions and is working his way into the top Bengals receivers in history conversation (yes, he does need another handful of great seasons for that but he's on his way).