Lions RB David Montgomery is questionable to return to Sunday's game vs. Vikings with a knee injury. We'll update his status when we know more. Montgomery's absence should mean big volume for RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Update: Montgomery returned in the second quarter.
David Montgomery led the Lions backfield in fantasy scoring for Sunday's win at Dallas. His two TD runs masked a lackluster workload, though. Montgomery carried just 12 times in a lopsided Detroit victory. That matched the carry total for Jahmyr Gibbs, who beat Montgomery pretty easily in playing time.
Lions RB David Montgomery ran for 105 yards and a TD on 23 carries (4.6 per rush) in Sunday's win at Arizona. He also beat Jahmyr Gibbs 3-0 in targets, turning that into 3 receptions for 17 yards. Gibbs also ran well, taking 16 carries for 83 yards (5.2 per rush). Although he didn't see a target, Gibbs did take a pitch from WR Amon-Ra St. Brown after a reception in the second quarter and run it into the end zone.
The hamstring injury Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs suffered in Monday's practice is not believed to be serious. “I think we’re gonna be fine here," HC Dan Campbell said of Gibbs. "So, I think we’ll be good.” Insider Jordan Schultz, meanwhile, heard from a source that Gibbs "should be ready for Week 1."
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury in Monday's practice, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The team has only said that Gibbs is being evaluated for a leg injury.
Lions GM Brad Holmes said in a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show that he expects RB Jahmyr Gibbs to see a bigger workload in 2024. Gibbs averaged 12.1 carries and 3.5 catches per game as a rookie last year. His share of backfield touches grew throughout the season, so it certainly makes sense that he'll get the rock more in year 2.
Ben Johnson will remain with the Lions as OC for the 2024 season, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Johnson had been a hot name in this year's coaching cycle and had been linked to Washington's still-open job. His return is excellent news for Detroit's offense. The Lions lead the NFL with 387 total yards per game and rank fourth with 26.9 points per game under Johnson over the past two seasons.
Lions HC Dan Campbell said Monday that he plans to play his starters in this weekend's regular-season finale vs. the Vikings. Detroit has won the NFC North, can't drop lower than the No. 3 seed in the NFC, and can only climb to No. 2 with a win plus a Cowboys loss to the Commanders and an Eagles loss to the Giants. "We want to use this as fuel," Campbell said. "I’ve got pure octane right now. I woke up and I’m ready, so we’re moving forward.” There's still some risk that the Lions pull key starters at some point during this game, especially if Dallas and Philadelphia have big leads. But we'll be projecting the starters for at least close to normal workloads in the Week 18 Rankings.
The box score says RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery split work evenly in Sunday's Lions loss at Chicago. Gibbs carried 11 times (for 66 yards and a TD) to 10 for Montgomery (66 yards). His 4 targets led Montgomery by just one, while the pair each caught three passes. But Gibbs played 41 snaps to Montgomery's 23, according to Pro Football Focus. Nearly all of that edge came in the passing game, with Gibbs running 24 routes to Montgomery's 8. What's that mean? You shouldn't trust those 3 Montgomery receptions. It marked the first time this season that Montgomery has caught more than two passes and just the second time he has drawn more than 2 targets. You should also expect Gibbs to get more playing time when Detroit plays from behind. That game script wasn't predictable for a contest the Lions entered as 3-point favorites Sunday. We also wouldn't bet on Denver jumping well ahead of Detroit in Week 15 or Minnesota doing so in Week 16. But a Week 17 visit to Dallas will likely find the Lions as underdogs. Both RBs should be solid fantasy options for the next two weeks. Week 17 figures to find Gibbs well ahead of Montgomery in our rankings.
The Lions continued to split backfield work between RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 12. Montgomery beat the rookie 2-0 in goal line carries, leading to a 6-yard score up the gut. Overall, Montgomery out-carried Gibbs 15-11, with Gibbs continuing to lead the way in the passing game (8 targets). Struggles from QB Jared Goff -- as well as one drop -- limited Gibbs' impact to 4 catches for 19 yards. Week 13 turns up a tough date at New Orleans, followed by plus matchups against Chicago and Denver. Overall, we're not changing our outlook for this backfield.
Lions RB David Montgomery out-carried Jahmyr Gibbs 12-8 in Week 11. Each RB finished with 14 opportunities. Both scored goal line TDs, while the low volume can be traced to poor game flow. Surprisingly, the Lions faced a 6+ point deficit for most of the second half. A strong rest-of-season schedule keeps both RBs as top-15 options moving forward. Next up is a home matchup with Green Bay.
Lions RB David Montgomery had an awesome 75-yard TD run in the 41-38 Week 10 win over the Chargers. He made multiple defenders miss at the first and second levels -- and then flashed impressive speed to outrun the rest of the Chargers defense to the end zone. Unfortunately, that's the only positive we can take from Montgomery's Week 10. He totaled just 41 scoreless yards on his other 11 carries. Montgomery trailed RB Jahmyr Gibbs in carries (14 to 12) and targets (5 to 0). Gibbs even out-carried Montgomery four to two inside the Los Angeles 10-yard line. That's particularly worrisome considering 40% of Montgomery's PPR production this season has come via TDs. And five of his seven TDs have come from inside the 10. If Montgomery is going to split carries with Gibbs -- and cede most of the passing-game work -- he'll struggle to produce as more than a low-end RB2 the rest of the way. We'll see if this backfield usage continues in Week 11 against the Bears. That plus matchup should at least keep Montgomery in starting fantasy lineups.
Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report for Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers. We’ll see exactly what this backfield looks like after RB Jahmyr Gibbs’ breakout Week 8. But there should be enough to go around for Montgomery and Gibbs vs. the Chargers’ 22nd-ranked RB defense.
Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. It's confirmation that he's set to return for this weekend's game vs. the Chargers. We'll see exactly how touches are divvied between Montgomery and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, but both guys are strong fantasy plays vs. the Chargers' 22nd-ranked RB defense.
Lions HC Dan Campbell talked about his plans for the backfield now that RBs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are healthy again. “We know what David can do, but we know that Gibbs has gotten better every week, so we’re going to ask those guys to do the things they do well and that help our offense move the football,” Campbell said. “I don’t think, necessarily sitting here talking to you right now, that I see Gibbs getting 65 plays. I don’t see that. But he’s going to 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 their touches. Gibbs will get his touches.” It sure sounds like Gibbs has earned an increased role after his huge Week 8 performance. But we're still expecting Montgomery to handle the majority of the between-the-tackles and goal-line work. This offense and running game is good enough to support two weekly fantasy starters.
Lions HC Dan Campbell said Monday that it's "looking good" for RB David Montgomery (ribs) to return for this weekend's game vs. the Chargers. Montgomery missed Detroit's last two games with a rib cartilage injury. RB Jahmyr Gibbs played extremely well in his absence, ripping off 220 rushing yards on 6.0 yards per carry and catching 14 balls for 95 yards. Montgomery has been Detroit's clear lead back when healthy this season, though. Figuring out how touches will be distributed this Sunday will be a key to the Week 10 slate.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs erupted on Monday night, tallying 152 rushing yards and a TD on 26 carries in Week 8 vs. the Raiders. The rookie also hauled all 5 targets for 37 yards as a pass-catcher in the contest. Fantasy managers who were frustrated by Gibbs early in the season ought to be thrilled with back-to-back performances of over 27 PPR points. Still, it’s important to remember that his teammate David Montgomery (ribs) has a solid chance to return for Week 10 vs. the Chargers following Detriot’s bye. It’ll be fascinating to see how HC Dan Campbell will distribute the RB touch opportunities when the time comes.
Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) is out for Monday night's game vs. the Raiders. He didn't practice all week but will get a Week 9 bye to heal up. Montgomery's absence on Monday should mean another busy outing for RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who handled 11 carries and 10 targets on an 87% snap rate last week.
Lions RB David Montgomery (ribs) did not practice on Thursday. Fantasy owners should not be counting on Montgomery to play vs. the Raiders on Monday night. We'll let you know if something changes with his Week 8 status.
Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs scored his first NFL TD on Sunday vs. the Ravens. The rookie recorded 11 carries for 68 yards with the score as a runner and added 9 catches for 58 yards in the receiving game in Week 7. With his teammates David Montgomery (ribs) and Craig Reynolds (hamstring) banged up, Gibbs received a season-high 21 touch opportunities and converted these efforts into 27.6 PPR points. Though the Lions failed to secure a victory, fantasy managers who remained patient with the first-year back were rewarded handsomely. We’ll see if Gibbs can capitalize on his newfound success in Week 8 vs. the Raiders. The health of Montgomery will likely play a big factor in how we view Gibbs next week, so be sure to keep up with Detroit’s practice reports in the coming days.
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