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Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs says 'only time will tell' when he returns to practice amid hold-in | Latest NFL News, Analysis & Updates | NFL.com

Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions is holding out of practice while seeking a new contract, potentially impacting his readiness for the upcoming season.

First seen Aug 04, 2026 · 1:00 AM UTC · last updated Aug 04 2:35 PM

Scoring Zone's Take

Jahmyr Gibbs is the only player with real news here, and it's the kind of thing you flag now and monitor rather than panic over. He's holding out of practice while pushing for a new contract, and with no clear timeline for his return, there's real risk of him missing reps in a crucial camp period where he'd otherwise be building on last season's breakout role. Both sources carry solid confidence (80%) that the holdout is real, but nothing here confirms how long it will last or whether it bleeds into the regular season — treat the readiness concern as a hedge on his draft-day floor, not a reason to slide him off your board entirely.

For draft prep, Gibbs still profiles as a high-upside RB1 target given his talent and Detroit's offensive environment, but you should shade your rankings slightly and monitor beat reporting closely as camp progresses. If the holdout drags deep into August with no resolution, that's when you start worrying about conditioning and offensive-install reps costing him early-season efficiency — worth building a contingency plan in case his ADP doesn't move but the risk is real.

Bijan Robinson and Jameson Williams are named in this cluster but have no actual news attached beyond being mentioned alongside Gibbs; there's nothing here suggesting their roles or values are impacted. Don't make any moves on either of them based on this cluster — their inclusion appears incidental. Keep Gibbs on your watch list, hold your current draft valuation with a slight risk discount, and revisit once there's clarity on his practice return.

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs says 'only time will tell' when he returns to practice amid hold-in

NFL Network Insider Judy Batista along with Cam Wolfe break down the ongoing contract situations for Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in doesn't appear to be ending soon.

His willingness to speak on the matter isn't opening up much, either. Gibbs was briefly approached by reporters after roaming the sidelines in street clothes during Detroit's practice on Monday, and he didn't offer many details when asked about his ongoing hold-in, responding with "only time will tell" when he might return to action.

"What I'm ... aiming towards? Ah, I don't know," Gibbs said when asked if he needed a new contract in order to suit up for practice, per ESPN.

Gibbs is one of two first-round running backs from the 2023 class who are protecting their earning power prior to the start of the 2026 season. Atlanta's Bijan Robinson -- the No. 8 overall pick in that draft -- is also holding in despite the fact both are under contract through 2027 thanks to the fifth-year option. (Editor's note: On Tuesday morning, Robinson agreed to terms with Atlanta on a three-year extension worth up to $75 million.)

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Although they're not near free agency just yet, both Gibbs and Robinson understand it's prudent to work on an extension that will provide long-term security before taking any further risks on the field. As is the case for any pro athlete, their health is their greatest asset, especially when poised to sign lucrative extensions.

Unsurprisingly, Gibbs isn't providing much insight on the current state of his representation's talks with the Lions while they're in the midst of negotiating. There's little use in shedding light on private talks before they've produced a tangible result. As Lions head coach Dan Campbell said last week, "it'll come as it comes." Detroit isn't too worried about the process, and neither should Gibbs.

Gibbs' teammates seem to share this understanding and hope Gibbs receives his due. After all, football is a profession and every participant wants to be paid fairly. For Gibbs, fair compensation would likely land at or near the top of the running back salary charts.

"I wouldn't even say look at the stats; look at the film," receiver Jameson Williams said of Gibbs. "Nobody close. He's the best."

Folks in Atlanta might have a counterargument to offer in defense of Robinson, but both are in a similar situation: They're elite, three-down backs who are extremely valuable to their franchises and are making wise business decisions in order to benefit from their statuses.

It just might take some time to resolve.

Coverage from Nfl Dot Com News · by Nick Shook · Aug 03, 2026 · read original