The Sports Xchange

RENTON, Wash. — After 54 days, strong safety Kam Chancellor officially reported to work for the Seattle Seahawks.

Chancellor’s holdout came to an end on Wednesday after missing all of training camp, all four preseason games and two regular season games.

“I’m just looking to move forward,” Chancellor said. “Everybody addressed me with open arms and it just feels right. You turn the page and you put business behind you and it’s all about playing football now and getting wins.”

The holdout came to an end without Chancellor getting the new contract that he desired, per a league source. Throughout the process the Seahawks made it clear that they weren’t negotiating with Chancellor on the matter and didn’t intend to alter his contract. Chancellor elected to press the issue by continuing the holdout into the regular season.

It didn’t change Seattle’s stance on his contract and the team held firm despite losing their first two games without him.

Head coach Pete Carroll said he wouldn’t comment on if they adjusted Chancellor’s contract or if they would attempt to collect the full amount of fines that Chancellor’s accrued.

The absences totaled more than $2 million in potential fines and cost Chancellor $535,294 in two missed game checks.

“It’s been a long process getting here but we’re really thrilled that he’s here,” Carroll said. “He’s a big part of our program. He always has been. He’s a fantastic leader. He’s just one of the blood and guts parts of this program and has been forever. So we’re thrilled to have him back and ready to go to work.”

The Seahawks received a two-week roster exemption for Chancellor, which allows him to practice with the team and get back into football shape without counting against the 53-man roster. However, that exemption might not be needed very long. Chancellor reported at 226 pounds and with 6 percent body fat. Chancellor said he fully expects to play in Sunday’s home opener against the Chicago Bears.

“My thought is that we are going to go in with the approach that he will play but we are going to take it one day at a time. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t,” Carroll said. “I know he really wants to as well and we would like him to as well. He’s in magnificent shape and razor thin and sharp. This is the best he looks … so he has worked very hard for this.”

Chancellor’s return will help the league’s top-ranked scoring defense from each of the last three seasons return to its prior form. It probably won’t hurt that they are expected to be facing the Chicago Bears backup quarterback in Jimmy Clausen.

Carroll made it clear that the holdout will not damage the relationship between the Seahawks and the strong safety.

“Kam’s going to be with us for a long time,” Carrol said. “We hope he’ll always be a Seahawk and that’s all we’ve ever thought of it. Nothing’s ever changed in that. Really, nothing’s ever changed in his thought of that either. We’re very much in concert about that, and we look forward to a really long relationship. It’s been fantastic until now and we’re going to just continue it.”

If Chancellor is to play this week, the Seahawks will need to make a roster move to add him to their 53-man roster. Chancellor is ineligible to play until he is added to the active roster.

Backup safety Steven Terrell suffered a hip flexor injury in Sunday’s game at Green Bay and didn’t practice on Wednesday. If his injury is serious enough, he could be placed on injured reserve to free up a roster spot for Chancellor. Terrell has been one of the team’s core special teams players and is the primary backup free safety to starter Earl Thomas.

Notes: Cornerback Tharold Simon (toe) is still hobbled and his status for Sunday will not be known until the end of the week. … Linebacker Mike Morgan (hamstring) returned to limited participation in practice for the first time since the third preseason game. … Running back Marshawn Lynch (calf) did not practice on Wednesday. Lynch usually takes Wednesday’s off in-season, but an injury was designated Wednesday. … Cornerback George Farmer was signed to the practice squad and Linebacker Eric Pinkins was released.