Jahmyr Gibbs Absent from Lions Training Camp Practice as Dan Campbell Updates Contract Talks

The Detroit Lions could be on the verge of a contract dispute with one of their best players.

Per Colton Pouncy of The Athletic, Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is absent from Wednesday's training camp practice. Head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that he's not concerned about Gibbs' absence or his ongoing contract discussions with the franchise.

"You guys know how we feel about Gibbs…we'll take this [extension stuff] as it comes. … It'll come as it comes. ... This is both sides working through something… that's where it is," Campbell said.

The 2026 season will be Gibbs' fourth year in the NFL, and he's set to count for a salary cap hit of just $5.7 million, per Spotrac. The Lions picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal, which would pay him $14.3 million in 2027.

Still, it's safe to say that Gibbs has outplayed his current contract. The 24-year-old has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three seasons, and he tied for the league lead with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024. Last season, he started all 17 games for Detroit and rushed for 1,223 and 13 touchdowns on 243 carries while adding career highs of 77 catches, 616 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions.

The Lions traded veteran backup David Montgomery to the Houston Texans earlier this offseason and replaced him by signing former Kansas City Chiefs starting running back Isiah Pacheco. Second-year ball-carriers Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors round out Detroit's depth chart.

It's clear that the Lions would rather have Gibbs in the fold as their lead back, but they will have to get used to life without him during training camp until his contract demands are fulfilled.