The NFL preseason is currently underway, giving fans a chance to see their favourite teams and the rosters they have assembled. Of course, it is understandable that injuries have already had an impact on some teams in a sport as demanding as football—even before the season has officially begun.

Lions offer an update on Jahmyr Gibbs’ injury

Following what has to be considered an impressive run this past season, there are high expectations for the Detroit Lions this coming campaign. Do recall, the Lions made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991. Unfortunately, they were undone by the San Francisco 49ers in a tight 34-31 loss. Since then, the Lions have made some smooth moves, including tying up a lucrative contract for starting quarterback, Jared Goff, who will lead the

line in 2024.

As one can imagine, this presents a problem for the Lions when it comes to depth. To be clear, Gibbs was widely expected to share duties out of the backfield – as he did last season – with David Montgomery. Where facts and figures are concerned, it’s interesting to observe that Montgomery saw a higher number of snaps last season than Gibbs with 219 compared to 182 for Gibbs, however, the younger talent averaged slightly more yards per carry with 5.2 vs. 4.6. Mention should also be made of Gibbs’ catches as he managed to notch 52 receptions whereas Montgomery was only able to haul in 16.

Of course, 2023, represented Gibbs’ rookie season in the NFL and it would be unfair to call it anything less than stellar. It was not shocking to see him selected to the Pro Bowl and receive multiple votes for Offensive Rookie of the Year after he ran for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns in addition to 316 receiving yards for one score.

All of this is to say, Gibbs’ status represents a real issue for the Lions and even more so when considering the fact that he’s not the only injury concern that the team has. Aside from Gibbs, the Lions are also without rookie cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., both of who were also injured during the practice session.

The Lions’ next opponent in their second week of preseason play is the Kansas City Chiefs, the reigning Super Bowl champions, on Saturday, August 17. As we always say, watch this space.