Jahmyr Gibbs to get majority of Lions carries with David Montgomery injured

The workload of Detroit Lions (1-1) rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs has hardly been what you’d expect from a 12th overall pick.

That appears to change in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons (2-0) Sunday, with Gibbs expected to get the bulk of the carries with veteran tailback David Montgomery sidelined with a thigh injury, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported on “NFL GameDay Morning.”

“They’re still gonna play multiple backs,” Pelissero said. “They don’t want to wear Gibbs out, especially with a Thursday night game looming against the Packers. But fantasy owners, rejoice! A breakout opportunity today for Gibbs.”

Gibbs, the former Georgia Tech/Alabama standout, has logged just 37.3% of the offensive snaps through two games. He’s recorded 116 total yards on 23 touches, while Montgomery has seen a team-high 38 touches for 148 yards from scrimmage and two scores. Montgomery has produced while seeing 61.9% of the offensive snaps.

Gibbs will have an opportunity to lead the backfield Sunday alongside Craig Reynolds and Zonovan Knight.

“Gibby can do anything,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said this week. “We’ll see what all we ask him to do but we feel very comfortable with him doing anything that all our backs need to do.” 

This story is developing…