Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has reportedly missed practice on Tuesday, raising speculations about his absence being related to his pursuit of a new contract. While the exact reason for his absence remains unconfirmed by either Chase or the team, it appears that the receiver may be staging a hold-in.

Chase, who has been present during previous training camp sessions but refrained from participating in practices, was notably absent from Tuesday's session. This change in attendance has sparked curiosity among fans and media personnel alike. However, according to Jay Morrison of ProFootballNetwork.com, today's practice appears to be more focused on special teams, suggesting that it might be a lighter session in preparation for the Bengals' upcoming joint practice with the Chicago Bears later this week.

The talented wide receiver, who has two years remaining on his rookie contract after the Bengals exercised their fifth-year option in the spring, is yet to confirm his intentions regarding his absence. Despite this uncertainty, head coach Zac Taylor has expressed optimism about the ongoing conversations between the club and Chase. Taylor mentioned that they have had "good conversations" and that they will continue to approach the situation day-by-day.

Throughout his first three seasons in the NFL, Ja'Marr Chase has established himself as a formidable force in the receiving corps. He has recorded an impressive 268 receptions for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns. In 2023, Chase reached another significant milestone by catching 100 passes for 1,216 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. His contributions to the Bengals' offense have undoubtedly made him a valuable asset to the team.

As the situation unfolds, fans and media personnel eagerly await further updates from either Chase or the Bengals organization regarding his absence and potential contract negotiations. With the upcoming joint practice with the Chicago Bears, all eyes will be on how this situation develops and how it may impact the Bengals' preparations for the upcoming season.