With Detroit Lions Veteran Returning, Gibbs Will 'Get His Touches'

The Detroit Lions got a spark from rookie Jahmyr Gibbs in the two games leading into their bye week. 

Suiting up without starter David Montgomery, Gibbs provided electricity out of the backfield. The 2023 No. 12 overall pick was a bright spot in an otherwise grim loss to Baltimore in Week 7, then produced 189 all-purpose yards against the Raiders in Week 8. 

With Montgomery due to return, potentially as soon as this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, Gibbs likely won't get the workload he's received the last two weeks. 

However, Dan Campbell and his offensive staff seem committed to keeping the rookie as a vital part of the offense. 

"I think we certainly know what David can do, but we know that Gibbs has gotten better every week," Campbell said Monday. "We're gonna ask those guys to do things they do well and that help our offense move the football. I don't think, necessarily, talking to you right now, that I see Gibbs getting 65 plays. I don't see that. But he's gonna get his fair share now, we know what he can be and he's growing. I think it'll be a little bit by committee and make sure we get those guys touches. Gibbs will get his touches."

The rookie running back has been a key factor in both Detroit's passing and rushing attacks. To this point in the season, he has 76 carries for 399 yards and two rushing touchdowns. 

Gibbs did miss two games earlier in the campaign while dealing with a hamstring injury. Montgomery, meanwhile, has missed a total of three this year. 

The Alabama product announced his presence on a national stage the last time Detroit took the field. He became Detroit's first single-game 150-yard rusher since Kerryon Johnson in 2018 after tallying 152 and a score. 

That night, he also notched 37 receiving yards on five catches. This came on the heels of a nine-catch performance against Baltimore in Week 7. 

His emergence has been encouraging, as he had previously struggled to get acclimated within the Lions offense. The game against Baltimore was the first time he'd cracked 100 all-purpose yards, and he had crossed 80 rushing yards just once in his first four games. 

The elusive Gibbs has been encouraging, however. He's second amongst rookies in missed tackles forced this year, as his 16 ranks behind only Bijan Robinson's 27. 

He's also tied for first with Miami's Devon Achane amongst rookies with seven runs of 15 or more yards. 

Meanwhile, Montgomery proved prior to his injury that he was capable of shouldering a heavy workload. He averaged 18.8 carries per game in his five appearances, while posting back-to-back 100-yard rushing performances before suffering a rib injury against the Buccaneers in Week 6.  

The tandem has been a big part of Detroit's success this season, as they rank sixth in rushing yards per game after nine weeks. Craig Reynolds has also had success as a supplemental third option, rushing for 179 yards and a score on 41 attempts. 

Last season, the Lions' backfield featured a speed and power dynamic. Jamaal Williams handled the latter, while D'Andre Swift brought the speed. 

This season, the Lions have learned that both of their backs are capable in contributing in multiple ways within the offense. Campbell and Ben Johnson will be tasked with making that work best for the team when Montgomery returns to action.