Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs gets a downgrade on his injury status ahead of Week 5 matchup versus the Carolina Panthers
This Sunday, the Detroit Lions may be without rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions downgraded Gibbs’ status to doubtful ahead of the Lions-Panthers game due to a hamstring ailment.
While Gibbs’ official status will most likely be determined at game time, it appears he will sit this one out. The good news for the Lions is that David Montgomery is coming off a game in which he had 32 touches for 121 yards and three touchdowns.
Gibbs has shown flashes of the speed and shiftiness that propelled him to the 12th overall choice this spring, but Detroit has yet to put him through a significant workload. Gibbs has 39 carries for 171 yards and an average of 4.6 yards per carry so far.
With Jahmyr Gibbs out, the Lions will likely turn to Craig Reynolds and Zonovan Knight as alternates for Montgomery. The Lions may also have to find a fill-in for No. 1 wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who is also doubtful with an abdominal injury that has caused him to miss three practices this week. Detroit will get back receiver Jameson Williams though, who returns for the first time since his gambling suspension that left him sidelined for four weeks.
The good news for the Lions is despite the holes they may have on offense from key players missing is they are facing the 0-4 Panthers. Detroit can’t afford to sleep on Carolina or they could get upset, but they can still get the win without a couple of their key players.
