The Detroit Lions are one of the feel-good stories of the 2023 NFL season so far.

While rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs hasn’t put up massive numbers, he’s been a solid cog in the machine that has propelled the Lions to a 3-1 record and an early NFC North lead.

Unfortunately, it’s not looking good for Gibbs and this Sunday’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Lions downgraded Gibbs on the injury report to “doubtful” on Saturday. The rookie was a limited participant in practice all week due to a hamstring injury and had been considered “questionable” heading into the weekend. It turns out that Gibbs’ injury is a little worse off than expected, though it’s likely that the Lions will give it another look on Sunday before making a final decision.

Gibbs has 179 yards on 39 attempts for a 4.9 yard-per-carry average in four games this season.

Detroit also placed fullback Jason Cabinda on injured reserve, while receiver Jameson Williams and linebacker Julian Okwara are expected to return this weekend.

Meanwhile, Gibb’s injury report sparked some heated debate.

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Detroit Lions WR Antoine Green Eager to Show Dependability

In the preseason, rookie wide receiver Antoine Green impressed the Detroit Lions. In the three preseason games, Green led the club in receiving yards with 151. That hasn’t yet translated to the regular season, as he remains near the bottom of the depth chart behind Detroit’s dependable group of wideouts.

As he strives to build on that excellent first impression, he has continued to compete on the practice field to show the coaches what he’s capable of. An opportunity may present itself in Week 5, as the Lions labeled Amon-Ra St. Brown as questionable and Josh Reynolds as doubtful on Friday’s injury report.

“For me, I’m trying to find a role,” Green explained. “Trying to help as much as I can, doing everything I can to help the team improve and produce in practice.” That has always been my main goal.” The news that Jameson Williams’ ban had been shortened jolted the Lions’ wide receiver room after their triumph over Green Bay last season.

Dan Campbell outlined his straightforward expectations for the second-year wideout, insisting that the same standards of accountability and reliability apply to all young players. As a rookie, Green recognizes these expectations and has remained focused as his desire to contribute in game action grows.

“Know what you’re doing, be good at it, and execute it,” Green advised. “To be dependable, you have to be where you are, whether it’s split or running the right route at the right depth.” So dependability in that area is what they’re looking for.”

His preseason performance, which featured a 70-yard score against Carolina, has given him reason to be optimistic about his future. Despite this, he had only one catch for two yards in the first four games.

Still, there have been encouraging signs for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and company to take in. “He keeps flashing. It’s encouraging to watch him because he was – talking with (Lions Cornerbacks Coach) Dré Bly a little bit about him at Carolina, it took him some time to truly develop his craft and his route tree there,” Johnson explained. “And he came on his senior year and had a big year for him. And so seeing that now, I just see a guy that’s – he is detailed, he’s hungry, he’s working every single day. At times it seems like there’s a lot of processing going on and it slows down and that’s what we’re working every single day to get out of him because when he plays fast, he is fast. It shows up and he can be a really effective player that way. So, as much as we can slow the game down mentally for him, his natural talents will come out.”

The youngster has prioritized knowing many positions in the Lions’ high-powered offense. As a result, while watching from the sidelines, his eagerness to contribute has risen. “I be looking from the sideline like I just want to be a part of it,” Green told reporters. “Definitely explosive.”