Jahmyr Gibbs Ready to Be Best Running Back on Field Sunday

The rookie could get a big workload if David Montgomery cannot play.

With David Montgomery expected to be out for the Detroit Lions' Week 3 matchup against Atlanta, the stage is set for rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs. 

The 2023 No. 12 overall pick has been utilized in both the passing and running game for the Lions' offense through the first two weeks. With the injury to Detroit's starter, though, Gibbs is expected to take a more prominent role.

Billed as an exciting, dynamic player, there are high hopes for what Gibbs can bring to Ben Johnson's offensive system. The rookie is welcoming the challenge that an expanded role would bring heading into Sunday's game. 

"Yeah, you always get excited when you get to play some more and touch the ball some more," Gibbs said. "I'll be pretty amped up." 

The matchup pits him against Bijan Robinson, whom the Falcons drafted No. 8 overall. The duo is the only two running backs to be drafted in the first round of this year's draft, setting up a showdown to see where each is at early in their careers.  

It will carry extra motivation for Gibbs, who has gotten to know Robinson through a mutual position coach, Tashard Choice. Choice, in fact, worked with both players in college. Gibbs wants to prove himself as the better of the two backs. 

"Yeah, of course," Gibbs said. "I'm always motivated to be the best player I can be." 

In two games, the rookie has carried the ball 14 times for 59 yards, while catching nine passes for 57 yards. Dan Campbell expects that the Lions won't deviate from their run-oriented style if Montgomery doesn't play. So, Gibbs will likely get a higher share of touches.

“To us, we’re gonna treat it as business as usual. We don’t, we’re not gonna let it affect us," Campbell said. "We feel good about the backs we have, certainly Gibbs is gonna get more of a role. And, we’re gonna do what we do. Really, our focus was on how we attack this opponent, more than the backs that we have.” 

When asked if he believed the rookie was ready for a large role, the coach simply replied, "We'll find out." 

Quarterback Jared Goff has worked closely with the running back, as Gibbs has developed throughout the offseason. He stated that Gibbs has grown plenty throughout his young career, and expects the Lions' offense to continue humming as he takes on a bigger role. 

"I think back all the way to OTAs with him, just his growth," Goff said of the rookie runner Wednesday. "His route-running ability obviously, and his catching ability, has gotten a lot better, and continues to get better. Then, obviously, handing him off the ball and seeing his vision get better as time has gone on. He's a hell of a talent, a guy we rely on and I think he's done a really good job through his first two games."