Dan Campbell: Lions Have ‘a Lot of Confidence’ in Jahmyr Gibbs but Must Be ‘Careful’ Not to Overwork RB
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed both excitement and caution regarding rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs during a recent press conference. Gibbs, who was selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, has impressed the coaching staff with his versatility and playmaking ability.
High Expectations for Gibbs
Campbell praised Gibbs’s athleticism and versatility, highlighting his ability to contribute as a runner, receiver, and returner. “He’s a guy that can do a lot of different things for us,” Campbell said. “We’re excited about what he can bring to our offense.”
Gibbs has shown flashes of his potential during training camp, showcasing his speed, agility, and vision. The Lions believe he has the potential to be a dynamic playmaker who can make an immediate impact on the team.
Balancing Workload and Development
However, Campbell also emphasized the importance of managing Gibbs’s workload carefully. The rookie running back has a history of injuries and the Lions want to avoid putting too much strain on his body.
“We have to be careful not to overwork him,” Campbell said. “He’s a young player and we want to make sure we’re not pushing him too hard too fast. We want him to be healthy and productive for us over the long term.”
Rotation with Other Running Backs
To balance Gibbs’s workload, the Lions plan to rotate him with other running backs on the roster, including Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds, and Godwin Igwebuike. This will allow Gibbs to get his reps but also reduce the risk of injury.
“We have a lot of confidence in Jahmyr, but we also have a lot of other good running backs on this team,” Campbell said. “We’re going to use a rotation to keep everyone fresh and healthy.”
Cautious Optimism
Overall, the Lions are excited about the potential of Jahmyr Gibbs but are taking a cautious approach to his development. By managing his workload carefully and rotating him with other running backs, the team hopes to maximize his impact while also preserving his health for the long term.
Background on Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs played college football at the University of Alabama, where he earned All-American honors in 2022. He rushed for 926 yards and seven touchdowns while also catching 44 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns. Gibbs was also a standout returner, averaging 28.9 yards per return.
Lions’ Running Back Situation
The Lions have a crowded running back room entering the 2023 season. Jamaal Williams is the incumbent starter and is coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns. Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike provide depth and special teams contributions.
The addition of Gibbs gives the Lions a versatile playmaker who can contribute in multiple ways. The team is hopeful that he can emerge as a key piece of their offense and help them improve on their 9-8 record from 2022.