Allen Park — For the second straight day, running back Jahmyr Gibbs was present but not in uniform at Lions training camp in Allen Park.
Gibbs, who has yet to practice this camp as he reportedly holds in for a new contract, answered a pair of questions on his way off the practice field on Monday morning.
Asked when he thinks he’ll be back on the field for practice, Gibbs said, “Only time will tell.”
Then, asked a follow-up question about whether he needs a new deal before he’ll return, Gibbs answered, “Nah, it’s not about that.”
Asked a final follow-up about what his absence is about, Gibbs said, “I don’t know.”
Gibbs has not yet practiced for the Lions after five training camp practices. The No. 12 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft became extension-eligible this past spring but has not yet received a new deal. He has two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year option that the Lions picked up earlier this offseason, which will pay him $14.3 million in 2027.
Atlanta Falcons star Bijan Robinson, who was selected four picks before Gibbs in the 2023 draft, is also reportedly holding in as he awaits a contract extension. Gibbs was also present in street clothes at Sunday’s practice.
Both running backs are expected to receive a contract valued at over $20 million annually. Philadelphia Eagles rusher Saquon Barkley is currently the highest-paid running back in the NFL with a contract that pays him $20.6 million.
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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs breaks silence on apparent hold-in
Reporting by Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Nolan Bianchi, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
