ESPN lists Gibbs, Vea among preseason hold-ins

ESPN on Aug. 5 published a leaguewide tracker of NFL training-camp hold-ins and listed Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and Los Angeles Chargers outside linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu among the prominent names still in contract-related limbo. The report came one day before the Aug. 6 Hall of Fame Game, which opens the 2026 preseason. ESPN said the players had reported to camp but were limiting or skipping practice while contract talks continued. That distinction matters because a hold-in differs from a holdout: players stay with the team and avoid the fines tied to missing camp altogether. ### What exactly is a hold-in, and why are teams seeing more of them? ESPN said a hold-in is the middle ground between full participation and a traditional holdout. Players report to camp, attend meetings and remain around the club, but do not fully practice while waiting for a contract to be resolved. (espn.com) The Chargers' situation offered a clear example. Yahoo Sports reported on July 30 that Tuipulotu was doing individual work and some drills while staying out of team sessions, which let him maintain a presence at camp without taking full practice reps. ### Why is Jahmyr Gibbs still on the list? ESPN said Gibbs remained in a hold-in as he seeks a new contract from Detroit. (espn.com) The outlet's Aug. 4 update said Lions coach Dan Campbell viewed Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson's new deal as relevant to the talks, saying Robinson's extension was "certainly not gonna hurt" negotiations with Gibbs. (sports.yahoo.com) The same ESPN report said Gibbs had missed five straight practices by Aug. 3 and was seen on the sideline at the Meijer Performance Center talking with teammates. When reporters asked when he would return, Gibbs said, "only time will tell," according to ESPN. NFL.com also reported late last week that Gibbs was present at practice but not participating as he awaited a long-term extension. (espn.com) ### What is driving the Vita Vea standoff in Tampa Bay? Vita Vea's case appears broader than a routine extension push. CBS Sports reported last week that Vea had requested a trade after failed extension talks, citing his agent's statement to NFL Network. Bucs Wire then reported on July 30 that Vea had reported to camp in street clothes and begun a hold-in rather than staying away entirely. (espn.com) The Buccaneers' own training-camp update on Aug. 4 said coach Todd Bowles disclosed that Vea had tweaked his back, adding an injury note to an already unsettled contract situation. An iHeart summary of Bowles' comments said the coach was not worried about Vea's readiness for the season despite the hold-in. ### Is Tuli Tuipulotu any closer to returning fully? (cbssports.com) ESPN's Chargers camp file said Tuipulotu was a full participant in a walkthrough on Aug. 5, though he still had not taken part in a non-walkthrough 11-on-11 period. ESPN said that limited return "could be a sign" the situation was moving toward a resolution. The Chargers had already signaled why the talks matter. (buccaneers.com) The team's official site noted last month that Tuipulotu, a 2023 second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, was eligible for a new deal. Yahoo Sports reported he posted 13 sacks in 2025 and had become a central part of the defense, while safety Derwin James said, "We love Tuli here" and predicted, "it'll get worked out." (espn.com) ### What happens next as the preseason begins? The NFL preseason begins Aug. 6 with the Hall of Fame Game, but the next practical checkpoints for these players are team practices and preseason availability over the coming days. ESPN said its hold-in tracker would continue to update each case, and the Chargers' own camp file pointed to Aug. 13 as the start of the first full week of preseason action for Los Angeles. As of Aug. 5, Gibbs remained out, Vea remained unresolved in Tampa Bay, and Tuipulotu had taken part only in a walkthrough. (chargers.com) (espn.com)