Jahmyr Gibbs was not present for the Detroit Lions' first day of training camp practice in Allen Park on Wednesday, adding a fresh layer of interest to a contract situation that is still unresolved.
The key point is that it is not certain the absence was directly linked to a new deal, even though Gibbs became eligible to sign an extension in March and the Lions have made clear they want to keep him. If retained, he could become one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.
Campbell keeps the message calm
Dan Campbell tried to keep the focus steady when asked about Gibbs' status. “You guys know how we feel about Gibbs.... And so, we'll take this as it comes,” he said.
Campbell also made clear that talks are still in motion. “This'll kind of continue. It'll come as it comes, I think that's the best way to say it,” he said. “So, this is both sides working through something, and we'll take it as it comes, but that's what it is.”
That is not a dramatic public stance, but it is a revealing one. The Lions are not hiding their appreciation for Gibbs, and they are not treating the situation as a crisis. Instead, they are letting the process play out while the team moves into camp.
What Gibbs said in June
In June, Gibbs gave his own update on where things stood. “I'm just letting my agent and (general manager) Brad (Holmes) and all them do all that right now. I'm just worried about the team and ball,” he said.
He added: “I'm just trying to hoop right now.”
That is a player trying to keep his football in front of him while the business side is handled elsewhere. It does not answer the contract question, but it does show where Gibbs' priorities were before camp opened.
Why the first day matters
There is extra attention on this because it happened on the first day of training camp practice. That makes the absence notable even if it is not yet possible to say with certainty that contract talks are the reason.
The situation also comes against the backdrop of a league where star running backs are increasingly being judged through the lens of value and timing. Bijan Robinson was absent from practice on Tuesday, which only adds to the wider conversation around the position.
For the Lions, the message remains clear: they want Gibbs in the building and part of their long-term plans. The next step is simply whether both sides can move through the process and reach an agreement.
