Jahmyr Gibbs Participating in Lions OTAs This Week

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs returns to practice field.

The Detroit Lions are taking the field for organized team activities with a key piece of their 2023 draft class. 

Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was drafted 12th overall, will participate this week at OTAs. An ankle injury held him out of rookie minicamp, causing concern about his availability for OTAs. 

"Gibbs will be out there today. So, he'll get back to work," said Dan Campbell. "He's been good. We're being conservative with it right now, but he's good. It was a low-ankle anyway, but he's ready so we'll see what he can do. A little (individual reps) and then, depending on how he feels through the walk-through, the individual, then we'll see if he can take some team reps." 

He's one of three rookies that remains unsigned by the Lions, along with Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta and Alabama defensive back Brian Branch. 

Linebacker Jack Campbell, Detroit's other first-rounder, signed with the team on Tuesday. 

The Alabama product is already viewed as a key piece of the Lions' offense heading into 2023. He proved himself as a dynamic talent in college, totaling over 4,300 all-purpose yards in roles as a rusher, receiver and returner. 

Prior to transferring to Alabama, he spent two seasons at Georgia Tech. He made the switch to the Crimson Tide ahead of the 2022 season and enjoyed a breakout year under coach Nick Saban. 

The Lions overhauled their running back room during the offseason. Gone are 2022 starters Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift. Gibbs is one half of the replacements, joining free agency signing David Montgomery. 

OTAs will be completed in three segments — May 23-25, May 31-June 2 and June 12-15. Mandatory Minicamp is set for June 6-8. 

Former Lions K waived

Riley Patterson, who played for Detroit during the 2021 season, was waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday. The move came as a result of the team signing veteran kicker Brandon McManus. 

In seven games with Detroit, Patterson was 13-for-14 on field goals and perfect on extra point attempts.