mlive
ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs continues to hold out from practice, but he made his first appearance on the sidelines since training camp commenced.
Gibbs was present for Sunday's session, engaging in conversation with wide receivers Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the end zone before signing autographs for fans as he departed. He declined to address reporters who attempted to speak with him.
NFL Network was on hand for the final practice before pads are donned, noting that Gibbs was seen on the field for the first time, though no new details emerged regarding his contract status.
Key Analysis
Head coach Dan Campbell remains optimistic that a resolution will be reached with Gibbs, focusing instead on the increased reps for Sione Vaki and Isiah Pacheco with the first-team offense. Campbell admitted last week that he anticipated a deal would already be finalized, but he expressed no concern about the ongoing situation.
Williams, who secured his own extension just before last season's opener, voiced strong support for Gibbs, calling him "like the best player in the NFL." He stated, "I know what he could do for us, and I know what he can do for himself and his team." Williams asserted that Gibbs should be the highest-paid running back, pointing to his stats and film as proof that "nobody close" compares.
The running back market is currently led by Saquon Barkley at $20.6 million per year, followed by Christian McCaffrey at $19 million. In total value, Miami's Devon Achane ($64 million) and Arizona's Jeremiyah Love ($53.022 million) top the list. Gibbs and Bijan Robinson, both 2023 first-round picks, are poised to reset the market.
Williams emphasized Gibbs' impact, saying, "When (No.) 0 gets on the field, it's game-changing for us. He's unstoppable. He gets through the line of scrimmage, he goes 70. He's got one of the best games I've ever seen."
Originally reported by mlive.