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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs were both absent from their respective team’s opening practice of training camp on Wednesday. Robinson’s absence was contract-related, a team source told The Athletic. Gibbs is also awaiting a new deal.
Robinson was the No. 8 pick in 2023 and has led the NFL in yards from scrimmage over his three years as a pro. Gibbs was the No. 12 pick in 2023 and had 1,839 all-purpose yards last season.
The Falcons have had discussions about a new deal for Robinson throughout the offseason, but no deal has been reached. While Atlanta held its first training camp practice Wednesday morning, Robinson watched from the sideline wearing his jersey but no helmet or cleats.
Robinson is represented by Nicole Lynn of Klutch Sports Group, but messages to his representatives were not immediately returned Wednesday. The University of Texas product has a combined 5,648 yards from scrimmage in the last three years and led the league last season with 2,298 total yards.
The Falcons’ backup running back, Brian Robinson Jr., who signed in the offseason to provide depth in the backfield, fell after running a pass route during Wednesday’s practice and stayed down on the sideline, where he was attended to by trainers. He ultimately remained on the sideline but did not participate in the remainder of practice.
As for Gibbs, it makes sense why he would make this move — assuming that’s what this is. The position he plays is volatile, and he’s seeking a deal that could net him north of $20 million per season. The Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley is currently the NFL’s highest-paid running back at $20.6 million per year.
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A training camp injury suffered before signing an extension would obviously be detrimental to those efforts. The Lions have made it clear that Gibbs is a core member of the team and that they want him in Detroit long term. If a new deal is close to being done, there’s no real reason for Gibbs to push things early in camp.
We’ll see where things stand on Thursday, but as of now, it certainly looks like the Lions’ start back could be playing the waiting game.
“You guys know how we feel about Gibbs and all of our guys,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday morning. “… This will kind of continue. It’ll come as it comes. I think that’s the best way to say it. This is both sides working through something, and we’ll take it as it comes, but that’s where it is.”
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