ESPN tracks preseason hold-ins Gibbs, Vea, Tuipulotu

ESPN on August 6 published a leaguewide tracker of NFL training-camp hold-ins as the preseason opened, highlighting Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea and Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu as notable players still not fully practicing. The post said it was following “important hold-ins across the league” with updates from NFL Nation reporters. The timing put the contract disputes alongside the start of preseason action, which begins with the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, August 6. ### Why are these players called hold-ins instead of holdouts? NFL teams this summer have used “hold-in” to describe players who report to camp but do not take part fully in practice while contract talks continue. ESPN reported that Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson both began camp present but not practicing as they sought new deals. Robinson has since agreed to an extension, while Gibbs remained unresolved as of August 6. (espn.com) Jahmyr Gibbs is still under contract because Detroit exercised his fifth-year option in May, ESPN reported at the time. That means the dispute is not about whether he is under team control for 2026, but about whether the Lions will move early on a longer-term extension. ### What is happening with Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit? Dan Campbell said last week that Gibbs’ situation amounted to “both sides working through something,” according to ESPN. (espn.com) On August 5, Campbell also said Bijan Robinson’s new Falcons deal was “not gonna hurt” Detroit’s talks with Gibbs. Bijan Robinson said he and Gibbs had told each other to “hang in there” during their parallel negotiations, ESPN reported on August 6. (espn.com) ESPN’s reporting has framed Gibbs as one of the highest-profile unresolved running back cases as camp moved into preseason week. ### Why is Vita Vea’s case different from the others? Vita Vea’s dispute has included a trade request as well as a hold-in. (espn.com) ESPN reported on July 27 that Vea requested a trade after extension talks with Tampa Bay stalled, citing his agent, Collin Roberts. Todd Bowles said Vea’s hold-in was “not concerning,” ESPN reported, even though Vea is entering the final year of a four-year, $71 million contract and is due $17 million this season with no guaranteed money left. (espn.com) ESPN also reported that Vea was a hold-in during mandatory minicamp before the current camp impasse carried into late July and early August. ### What has Jim Harbaugh said about Tuli Tuipulotu? (espn.com) Jim Harbaugh declined to say whether Tuipulotu’s absence from team drills was contract-related, ESPN reported, saying only that the matter was being “handled internally.” ESPN’s Chargers camp report said Tuipulotu had been a limited participant during camp amid ongoing negotiations. (espn.com) Wednesday’s Chargers walkthrough offered a small change. ESPN reported that Tuipulotu was a full participant in that session, while noting he still had not taken part in a non-walkthrough 11-on-11 practice period. ESPN said the walkthrough participation “could be a sign” matters were moving toward resolution. ### How broad is the preseason hold-in picture right now? (espn.com) ESPN’s August 6 tracker named four headline cases across the league: Robinson, Gibbs, Vea and Tuipulotu. Robinson’s agreement left three unresolved cases in the version highlighted as preseason games began. The next test is whether any of those unresolved situations affect preseason game work or carry into the regular season. (espn.com) ESPN’s tracker said it would continue updating the status of Gibbs, Vea and Tuipulotu as camps progress and as teams move closer to their preseason openers. (espn.com)