YANNICK NGAKOUE: 'OF COURSE I'M GOING TO PLAY'

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire

Yannick Ngakoue does not plan on holding out or missing any more time this offseason. 

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After leaving the Jaguars voluntary offseason workout program early, Yannick Ngakoue returned to the team on Tuesday for the start of OTAs. He didn't do much on the practice field on the first day of organized team activities, although he did field a punt to "show off his athleticism." 

Ngakoue spoke with the media following the conclusion of practice and shed some light on how he would handle the rest of the offseason. 

Ngakoue said he plans on being in attendance for the rest of OTAs. An encouraging sign for a player entering a contract season. 

When asked if he would consider playing this season even if a long term deal doesn't get done, Yannick said "Of course I'm gonna play, I love the game. I'm in God's hands at the end of the day. I've been playing this game my whole life, and that's what I'm here to do."

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For those who were concerned about a potential holdout, these comments seem to put the possibility to bed. It shouldn't come as a huge surprise that a player so profoundly devoted to the game and his team doesn't plan on missing any more time this offseason. 

Ngakoue said that he's not aware of any discussions about a long term extension and that his agent would handle that. 

Another encouraging step in Yannick Ngakoue's development? The star pass rusher wants to become more of a leader on this team.

"It's important (being a leader) because I love the game and I try to go hard every day 100 percent, and that's what I intend on doing. Just coming out here and trying to get better every day and helping out my teammates. Trying to be a captain this year."

The Yannick Ngakoue contract situation is still one to monitor, but knowing that Ngakoue isn't going to hold out or miss any game time this season due to contract negotiations should bring solace to weary fans. ​