In the Detroit Lions’ hard-fought Thanksgiving Day victory over the Chicago Bears, Jahmyr Gibbs played a pivotal role early, amassing nearly 100 rushing yards in the first half. However, his reduced involvement in the second half sparked speculation, particularly after his goal-line fumble late in the first half.
Head coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation, emphasizing that Gibbs’ limited snaps were not a punishment for the fumble.
“I think it was more, we kind of cycle those [running backs], and David [Montgomery] was kind of in rotation,” Campbell explained, per the Detroit Free Press. “We just didn’t get a lot of plays … it just didn’t quite work out, really.”
Balancing the Backfield
Campbell highlighted that the Lions’ strategy often involves cycling between Gibbs and Montgomery, allowing both players to share the workload based on game flow. In the second half, with the Bears mounting a rally, Montgomery took on the lead role as the Lions leaned on their veteran to help close out the game.
Despite Gibbs’ fewer touches after halftime, his strong first-half performance reinforced his growing importance in the Lions’ offense. Meanwhile, Montgomery’s contributions in the latter stages of the game proved crucial in securing the Lions’ 11th win of the season.
Looking Ahead
As Detroit continues its impressive season, Campbell’s comments suggest that the running back rotation will remain fluid, adapting to game situations and ensuring both Gibbs and Montgomery are utilized effectively. For Gibbs, his explosive potential and ability to impact games early remain a critical asset for the Lions’ playoff push.