Jahmyr Gibbs missed his fifth straight practice of training camp Monday, Aug. 3, and the Detroit Lions running back offered little insight into when he might return to the field in brief comments to reporters as he walked off the field.
"Only time will tell," Gibbs said when asked when he'll be back in action after watching most of practice for the second straight day.
Asked if he needs a new contract before returning, Gibbs said, "Nah, it’s not about that."
So what is it about, a reporter asked.
"I don't know," Gibbs said.
Gibbs spoke to a small group of reporters as he was escorted by Lions security into the team's practice facility. He did not break stride during the brief interaction and did not respond when asked if he's still waiting for a new
deal as he entered the building.
A three-time Pro Bowler who's rushed for 3,580 yards and scored 49 touchdowns in his three NFL seasons, Gibbs has been a "hold-in" in training camp.
He's set to make $3.183 million in base salary and bonuses this season and has two years left on his rookie contract.
Saquon Barkley, the NFL's highest-paid running back, is making $20.6 million per season on his current contract.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, who is also awaiting a new contract, is a fellow "hold-in" at training camp this summer.
Lions coach Dan Campbell said Gibbs reported a back injury at the team's conditioning test before camp but said the injury was minor. Last year, Alex Anzalone staged a "hold-in" while awaiting a new contract. He said he was dealing with a hamstring injury at the time, missed five practices, then got an adjusted one-year deal with more guaranteed money and easier-to-reach incentives a week after he returned.
The Lions did not add new years to Anzalone's contract, and he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency this spring.
The Lions have talked openly about their desire to re-sign Gibbs and fellow 2023 draft picks Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch to long-term extensions. In recent years, they've prioritized keeping homegrown cornerstone players like Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell.
Gibbs has been a regular in the building during his "hold-in," taking part in weight room workouts and film sessions, and Campbell said he "got a little work inside" the practice facility before practice Sunday.
"To be able to come out and be around the guys, I think that’s always going to be important," Campbell said. "Look, he’s still part of us and the guys, our players love him, we love him and he’s a part of what we do. So, yeah, it’s always good to see him."
Dave Birkett covers the Lions for the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Bluesky, X and Instagram at @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs on practice return: 'Only time will tell'
