Jahmyr Gibbs was back in uniform Thursday morning, which immediately raised the question Detroit Lions fans have been asking all week.
Did No. 0 finally get paid?
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the answer is no. Gibbs does not have a new contract yet, even though he returned to the field for a portion of Detroit’s training camp practice.
Gibbs participated in the walkthrough and team stretch before moving to a side field to work with a trainer. It was his first on-field participation after sitting out the Lions’ opening six practices.
That is progress. It is not confirmation of an extension.
Gibbs Returns Without a New Deal
Gibbs had remained involved with the Lions throughout his hold-in.
He attended meetings, completed weight-room work and stayed inside the team facility while avoiding full practice participation. Thursday marked the first time he joined teammates on the field in uniform during the camp session.
The sight of Gibbs in pads naturally created speculation that Detroit and his representatives had quietly completed a deal.
Birkett’s report shut that down, at least for now.
No extension has been finalized.
Gibbs’ limited workload also suggests the Lions are easing him back rather than immediately treating him as a full participant. After the walkthrough and stretching periods, he continued working separately with a member of the training staff.
Running Back Market Has Been Established
Gibbs’ return came during a major week for the NFL running back market.
Atlanta signed Bijan Robinson to an extension averaging $22.25 million annually, making him the league’s highest-paid running back. Indianapolis followed by giving Jonathan Taylor a two-year extension reportedly worth $22 million per season.
Those agreements give Gibbs and the Lions two fresh benchmarks.
Gibbs is 24, has recorded consecutive 1,200-yard rushing seasons and owns the NFL record with 49 touchdowns through the first three years of a career.
Detroit also plans to feature him more heavily in 2026.
If Gibbs wants to become the highest-paid running back in football, the target is now clear. His new-money average would need to surpass Robinson’s $22.25 million figure.
Why Would Gibbs Practice Without an Extension?
A return to walkthrough work does not necessarily mean Gibbs has abandoned his contract push.
It may simply represent the next phase of his preparation.
Walkthrough periods allow players to rehearse alignments, assignments and timing without the physical risk of a full-speed padded practice. Gibbs can remain connected to Drew Petzing’s offense while negotiations continue behind the scenes.
Detroit may also be increasing his activity gradually after Dan Campbell previously described his back issue as minor.
There could be movement in the contract discussions. There could also be no connection between Thursday’s practice participation and the negotiations.
Without an announcement, anything more would be speculation.
The Lions Still Need Gibbs Fully Involved
The encouraging part for Detroit is that Gibbs has moved closer to normal football work.
The Lions are installing a new offensive system, adjusting pieces along the offensive line and preparing to make Gibbs the centerpiece of the backfield. Missing six practices is not disastrous in early August, but the repetitions become increasingly valuable as the preseason approaches.
Gibbs already knows how to play running back at an elite level.
He still needs time with the new scheme, blocking combinations and expanded responsibilities Detroit plans to place on him.
A walkthrough is a start.
The Lions will want the full version soon.
Bottom Line
Jahmyr Gibbs returned to the field Thursday, but according to Dave Birkett, he has not signed a new contract with the Detroit Lions.
Gibbs participated in the walkthrough and stretching portions of practice before working separately with a trainer. His return is an encouraging development, though it does not mean the contract situation has been resolved.
The running back market is set. The Lions and Gibbs know the numbers they must confront.
For now, No. 0 is back on the field.
The massive extension Detroit fans are waiting for has not arrived yet.
