2023 Lions Training Camp: New Running Backs Aim to Carry Offense
The Detroit Lions will feature two new faces in the backfield in 2023.
Gone are last year's top contributors in Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs are the newcomers who are tasked with leading Detroit's run-first offense.
Reason for hope
The Lions believe they have upgraded from last year's running backs duo. Montgomery and Gibbs fit similar profiles to their predecessors, but there's optimism that both have higher ceilings.
A former Chicago Bears back, Montgomery brings receiving upside, along with his prowess running between the tackles. He caught a total of 155 passes over four campaigns in Chicago, to complement his 3,609 rushing yards.
Heading into his fifth season, he'll be counted on to be the Lions' top back and handle most of the duty between the tackles.
Though Gibbs was selected higher than many thought in the 2023 draft, pundits agree that he offers a compelling fit in Detroit's offense.
He contributed as a receiver and returner, in addition to his running back role while in college. Splitting three seasons between Georgia Tech and Alabama, he totaled 4,396 all-purpose yards.
There will be no limits for his usage in Ben Johnson's scheme. Whether it be in the backfield, the slot or out wide, Gibbs will keep opponents on their toes by moving all over Detroit's formations.
Training camp battle
The top two spots at this position are set. However, the battle for the third will likely be one of the most competitive showdowns during training camp.
Craig Reynolds is the incumbent, though he was limited due to injuries in 2022. He narrowly made the cut last season, as coach Dan Campbell was discussing the possibility of cutting him during the team's appearance on 'Hard Knocks.'
The favorite to land the final spot could be Jermar Jefferson, who spent all but one game last season on the practice squad. He's viewed as a high-upside player who has struggled to stay healthy.
In a seven-game audition in 2021, he rushed for 74 yards and two scores on 15 carries before suffering a season-ending injury.
Mohamed Ibrahim was the best undrafted player at his position, and the Lions picked him up quickly. He rushed for nearly 5,000 yards at Minnesota and will not go down quietly.
There's also Greg Bell, an undrafted free agent in 2022 who spent the season on IR after suffering an injury early in camp.
Player to watch
Jefferson has gained plenty of buzz, after a strong showing during the team's summer regimen.
He has an ability to contribute in the passing game, as he caught 43 passes in college and four in seven games in 2021. With speed and an element of power in his game, he could be an excellent third option in the offense.
Despite having spent last season on the practice squad, there remains optimism that he can still salvage his career as a member of the Lions.
If he can remain healthy for the duration of camp, the Lions will finally come to a verdict as to what they have in the former seventh-round pick.
