Jahmyr Gibbs is back in uniform and taking at least some on-field repetitions with the Detroit Lions.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Gibbs participated in the walkthrough portion of Thursday morning’s practice. It marks a notable step forward after the star running back spent the first week of training camp attending meetings and watching practice without joining team drills.
Whether this signals the end of Gibbs’ hold-in is not yet clear.
UPDATE:
Gibbs Returns for Walkthrough Work
Gibbs’ participation came one day after general manager Brad Holmes confirmed that Detroit remained in contract discussions with the running back’s representatives.
“We’re having dialogue. We’ll see where it goes,” Holmes said during a SiriusXM NFL Radio appearance. When told a deal would eventually get done, Holmes replied, “That’s the hope.”
Gibbs had previously missed the Lions’ first several camp practices while remaining present at the facility. Earlier this week, he offered little clarity about his return, telling reporters, “Only time will tell,” while denying that he specifically needed a new contract before practicing again.
Thursday’s walkthrough participation is the first clear sign that Gibbs may be progressing toward a full return.
Contract Questions Remain
The Lions have not announced a contract extension, and walkthrough work is far different from participating in a full padded practice.
Gibbs could be gradually increasing his activity. Detroit may also be easing him back because of the minor back issue Dan Campbell said surfaced during the team’s conditioning test.
Until Gibbs takes part in competitive team periods, the contract situation will remain unresolved from the outside.
Still, seeing No. 0 back in uniform and working with the offense is encouraging.
Bottom Line
Jahmyr Gibbs participated in the walkthrough portion of Thursday’s Lions practice after spending the first week of camp on the sideline.
It is too early to declare his hold-in finished or assume a contract agreement is imminent. It is still the strongest sign yet that Gibbs is moving closer to rejoining Detroit’s offense.
For the Lions, any progress involving their most explosive weapon qualifies as welcome news.
