Following the trade that sent Montgomery to the Houston Texans, Gibbs has become the undisputed RB1. However, “Sonic” may be eyeing a more versatile role than a traditional lead back.

Dan Campbell hinted during the NFL owners’ meetings that Gibbs’ unique talents could be utilized all over the field. He revealed that the team is even considering lining the young star up at wide receiver to maximize his explosive playmaking ability.

“Gibbs, we didn’t view Gibbs as a runner, he was a weapon,” Campbell said. “We felt like Gibbs, this guy is gonna explode. Yes, he’s a runner, he can run all schemes, he can run inside, outside, the perimeters, but he also can be lethal out of the backfield, and we’re not even there yet. We feel like this guy can play some receiver. He’s dynamic and he’s a difference-maker. They don’t come around often.”

A new chapter for the Lions’ offense

There is no doubt that Dan Campbell has revitalized the Lions, but 2025 proved to be a challenging season. Following the exit of Ben Johnson last year, the offense lost the creative spark that had previously made the unit one of the league’s most feared.

After a disappointing stint under John Morton, the Lions moved on and named Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator. There are high hopes for Petzing, especially given the wealth of talent at his disposal and his history of creative personnel grouping.

With Campbell confirming that Gibbs could feature prominently as a receiver, it is clear that Petzing is exploring new schematic variations to jumpstart the offense. However, matching the efficiency and production seen under Ben Johnson’s guidance remains a tall order.

A new RB duo in Detroit

Following the Montgomery trade, the Lions moved quickly to bolster their backfield by signing free agent Isiah Pacheco to a one-year, $1.81 million deal. Pacheco is slated to serve as the RB2, with the hope that he can recapture the high-energy form he displayed during his championship years with the Kansas City Chiefs.

While Pacheco is regarded as a physical, downhill runner, his recent injury history has raised some concerns among the fanbase. However, if he can remain healthy, the Lions may once again possess one of the most intimidating backfield duos in the NFL.

“Of course, I want David back,” Gibbs said to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “The whole team wants him to stay, but ultimately, it’s up to him.” Gibbs emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Montgomery’s future, yet expressed the collective desire for his return in the upcoming season.

Gibbs also affirmed his unwavering support for Montgomery’s career decisions, noting their strong camaraderie within the team. “He’s going to do what’s best for him and his family, and whatever he decides, I’ll support him 100%. But, of course, we want him back,“ Gibbs added.

Montgomery-Gibbs impact on the Lions last season

Beyond their off-field friendship, Montgomery and Gibbs contributed significantly to the Lions on the field. Their performances throughout the regular season have established a statistical legacy that the Lions are eager to maintain.

Together, they have amassed 6,086 rushing yards, 2,099 receiving yards, and 82 total touchdowns as the NFL’s top running back duo. These numbers underscore not only their value to Detroit but also their appeal to other teams in the league.

Montgomery’s potential suitors

Amidst swirling rumors regarding Montgomery’s future, several teams have been linked to the talented running back. The Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been named as potential landing spots for Montgomery as he considers his options for the next season.

Lions’ running back coach, Tashard Choice, knows Jahmyr Gibbs is a massive star. Still, he asked Gibbs to improve on his passing blocking. After all, in Week 9 Goff was sacked five times. In Week 10, none.

Choice spoke on the matter. “Our first thing is protect the football, then protect the quarterback. Pass protection is 80 percent just want to... It’s a three-second fight most of the time. For him, the biggest thing that happened to him was when we came out of the Minnesota game because I was on his a–. Tough, had to be. I was on him. And he responded the right way, and that’s what you want from players.”

Week 10 was really Gibbs’ bounceback game

In Week 9, not only was Goff sacked, but Gibbs also had a season-low 28 yards. Week 10 was another story. Not only did he block way better, he exploded for 172 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns.

Gibbs now has 920 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns in the season. Gibbs is among the elite running backs in the NFL and he clearly provides explosiveness and agility to an otherwise physical backfield.

Choice and Gibbs go way back

These two guys have known each other for a while now. Choice was Gibbs RB coach at Georgia Tech back in 2021. Hence, Choice knows what gets Gibbs going and how to bring the best out of him.

If it’s not broke, don’t fix it, right? Hence, having Choice as Gibbs coach here in Detroit is almost a guaranteed success. As Gibbs keeps improving and evolving, this coach-player duo keeps growing as one of the best in the NFL.

One of the standout performers of the night was Jahmyr Gibbs, one of the most explosive running backs in the league right now. Week 7 proved to be a breakout moment for the former Alabama star, who tore through the Tampa Bay defense with authority.

Dan Campbell knows he has an offense that’s gone from slow to surging — and the scariest part for opponents is that the best may still be yet to come. What fans witnessed at a packed Ford Field was just a preview of what’s on the horizon.

“It’s huge. You felt like this was coming,” the HC said at his press conference. “You felt like this has been building, and as he gets in better shape and starts getting his feet under him, starts getting the feel of it, starts breaking some tackles.

“Every week’s just gotten closer and closer, and tonight was a night where he busted one of these out of there. There will be no looking back. I think he’s just going to continue to do this.”

Gibbs shines bright in primetime

Jahmyr Gibbs delivered a sensational performance last night, powering the Detroit Lions to a decisive 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The dynamic back was the engine of the Lions’ offense, tallying a career-high 218 total scrimmage yards thanks to 17 carries for 136 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns, including a spectacular 78-yard scoring run.

The explosive running back also added 3 receptions for 82 yards, consistently burning the Bucs’ defense and cementing Detroit’s status as a top contender in the NFC. There’s no doubt the former Alabama standout is finding his stride this NFL season.

Taking control of the NFC North

With their latest victory, the Detroit Lions (5-2) continue to battle atop the NFC North standings, where the race for the division crown is turning into a thrilling duel with the Green Bay Packers (4-1-1).

The Lions’ powerful start ensures they remain within striking distance of the division lead, setting the stage for what promises to be a photo-finish contest with Green Bay for control of the NFC North heading into the crucial stretch of the season.

Gibbs’ versatility continues to make him one of the most dynamic weapons in the NFL. The second-year star has quickly become the centerpiece of Detroit’s offense, as he currently has a total of 526 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns through seven games for the Lions, averaging 5.1 yards per game.

The 136 yards against the Buccaneers marked the first time this season that Gibbs recorded over one hundred rushing yards in a single game; his closest previous mark was 91 yards against the Browns. Furthermore, this was his second game this year with two touchdowns, matching his performance against the Ravens.

Fortunately for Gibbs, the Lions do not solely rely on him; they also have David Montgomery, who has also been doing an excellent job this season as the team’s second-best running back.

The Lions’ running backs

The two Lions running backs, Gibbs and Montgomery, have been key to the team’s success so far. Montgomery has recorded 355 yards and 4 touchdowns with an average of 4.6 yards per game on his 78 attempts this season, though he had a modest game of just 24 yards against the Buccaneers.

Having two reliable running backs gives the Lions a significant advantage, as they don’t have to worry about losing their key player if one gets injured. It is highly unlikely both players would be injured at the same time, though such things can happen.

There’s no doubt the Lions have made significant strides in recent years. The arrival of Dan Campbell as head coach in 2021 sparked a major transformation, turning the franchise into a true contender in just a few seasons.

Still, the ultimate goal—a Super Bowl title—remains elusive. To get over that final hurdle, the front office has continued building around Jared Goff, adding key pieces to prove the Lions are legitimate powerhouses in today’s NFL.

Jared Goff will have a “new” wide receiver in 2025

Last season, the Lions entered the playoffs as one of the top contenders in the NFC. Dan Campbell’s squad dominated the regular season, leading many fans to believe a deep postseason run was inevitable.

Detroit’s roster is packed with talent, but the team fell short in the most critical moment, prompting the organization to make adjustments on both the coaching staff and the player roster.

Following the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, the Lions promoted John Morton to the role. With a new play-caller in charge, the offense is expected to evolve—and the first major change has already been revealed.

Star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who was occasionally used as a wide receiver last season, has now confirmed he’ll have an even larger role in the passing game. He’s set to line up more frequently as a wideout, giving Goff a versatile and dynamic new target in 2025.

“Nothing too much changed, so a lot of the stuff is the same,” Jahmyr Gibbs said, via WXYZ. “I gotta learn the formations for this, but I’m being split out, I guess, like way more than I was the past two years. That’s good, that’s going to be fun. I’ve been waiting on that. He wants me to be more involved in it, so that’s what he plans on doing.

Who are the wide receivers for the Detroit Lions?

While Gibbs will take on a bigger role as a receiver, the Lions already have an impressive group at the position. His addition only strengthens a unit that’s expected to be one of the most productive in the league.

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Tim Patrick headline Detroit’s wide receiver corps. With Gibbs adding another layer to the offense, the Lions will have more options and flexibility—potentially opening up more space for their primary targets and giving Jared Goff even more weapons to work with.

In the NFL, where rivalries and stories of triumph intertwine week after week, a duo has emerged that has captured the imagination of fans and experts alike: the Detroit Lions’ running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Affectionately known as “Sonic and Knuckles“, this pair of runners has created an enviable chemistry on the field, blending speed and power in a way that recalls the legendary characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog universe.

Throughout the season, they have proven to be an unstoppable force. Gibbs, with his ability to break defenses with explosive runs, and Montgomery, with his tenacity and resilience, have been key to the Lions‘ offensive success.

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery’s nicknames origins

The story of this nickname began in the Lions’ locker room, where running backs coach Scottie Montgomery suggested the comparison. Gibbs, with his speed, embodies Sonic, while Montgomery, with his physical, resembles Knuckles.

This analogy not only highlights their individual skills but also reflects the complementarity they bring to the team. The running backs have formed a dynamic duo since Gibbs joined the team in 2024.

Their performance has been so outstanding that even in times of adversity, such as injuries affecting David Montgomery, the duo has maintained their effectiveness, adapting and overcoming obstacles together.

This nickname, which started as a simple comparison, has evolved into a symbol of unity and competitive spirit for the Lions. Their relationship is a testament to how camaraderie and complementarity can take a team to new heights.

Together, they have achieved notable milestones, including the possibility that both surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, a feat only a few duos in NFL history have accomplished.

Additionally, they have set a record by scoring touchdowns in the same game 11 times, the most for a pair of running backs in league history, according to sources like ESPN and the official National Football League site.

Montgomery has praised Gibbs, describing him as a “generational talent“. For his part, Gibbs has expressed his excitement about sharing the field with him, emphasizing the importance of their collaboration for the team’s success.

In recent years, the Lions have built one of the most complete rosters in the NFL. Dan Campbell, the mastermind behind the team’s resurgence, has assembled a group of players that work seamlessly together, leading to their current success.

Last year, the Lions used their 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft to select Jahmyr Gibbs. The young running back is having a standout season and is now stepping into the RB1 role following Montgomery’s season-ending injury.

Dan Campbell sends a clear message to Jahmyr Gibbs on stepping up as RB1

As the regular season winds down, the Lions are gearing up for the playoffs. They’ve had a remarkable campaign, but the biggest challenges are still ahead.

Last season, the Lions ended a playoff drought that stretched back to 2016. Under Dan Campbell’s leadership, the team has transformed and now aims for its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

However, their playoff hopes took a blow this weekend. David Montgomery, their top running back, suffered a torn MCL, which will sideline him for the remainder of the 2024 season, including the postseason.

In response, the Lions have elevated Jahmyr Gibbs to the starting role. The second-year running back has been phenomenal this year, and Dan Campbell is confident that Gibbs can keep the backfield strong.

“We have a lot of confidence in Gibbs,” Campbell said, via the team’s website. “He’s continued to get better and better as the season has gone. Given the opportunity, he’s made a lot of plays. He made some big plays for us. He brings an explosive element. He’s getting better in the pass game, and you see what he’s able to do in the run game. We have a ton of confidence.”

Have the Lions secured the NFC North title?

The Lions lead the NFC North with a 12-2 record but haven’t locked up the division yet. The Vikings and Packers remain in the hunt and could still take the title.

Detroit faces the Bears, 49ers, and Vikings in its final three games. The team is focused on winning out to secure the NFC North crown and enter the playoffs with momentum.

Last year, the Lions made two significant acquisitions for the running back position. First, they signed David Montgomery, who brought experience from his time with the Chicago Bears.

A few weeks later, the team used their 12th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Jahmyr Gibbs. Since then, both players have delivered outstanding performances, leaving fans wondering who should start in the offense.

David Montgomery gets real about his relationship with Jahmyr Gibbs

The NFC North has become one of the most competitive divisions today. All teams have improved significantly, with the Lions emerging as strong Super Bowl contenders.

Jared Goff leads the offense, supported by several top-tier weapons. In the backfield, Goff is accompanied by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, two of the league’s best running backs.

Both players have had impressive seasons, with Montgomery seeing a few more snaps as RB1. However, the former Bears player doesn’t view Gibbs as a rival, revealing that they share a close relationship.

“Me and Jahmyr, we go hand in hand,” Montgomery said. “And I think a lot of people kinda see it in one light. Like, Jahmyr is a guy who can just do this kind of skill and I’m a guy that does just this kind of skill. But anybody who really watches the tape, they can see I can move a lot better than people think I can. … And Jahmyr, he’s fast, he’s shifty, but he’s strong, too. … You mesh those two things together … I think the sky’s the limit for us.“

Montgomery also shared that they have nicknames for each other: Sonic and Knuckles. The reference comes from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise, where both characters are known for their incredible speed.

What is David Montgomery’s contract with the Lions?

David Montgomery signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Detroit Lions in March 2023. The deal includes $11 million guaranteed, along with a $4.5 million signing bonus.

This contract makes Montgomery the highest-paid running backs on the team, solidifying his role in the Lions’ backfield through the 2025 season.

On the other hand, another young running back who is having a good season is Jets’ Breece Hall with 521 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns in 107 attempts. He is only 22 years old. Hall is in his second season in the NFL.

The NFL is a league of opportunity, where young players with the right skills and mindset can quickly rise to prominence. For young running backs, breaking through and earning a starting position is a challenging yet attainable goal.

The young RB close to 500 rushing yards

According to NFL stats and Pro Football Reference, another of the young, 21-year-old group, running back close to 500 rushing yards is Jahmyr Gibbs with a total of 476 rushing yards after 10 weeks, after his Jahmyr other 21-year-old player with most yards is Ravens’ Keaton Mitchell with 176 rushing yards.

Jahmyr Gibbs, running back for the Detroit Lions. He is a rookie this season and was drafted in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He is a dynamic athlete who is a threat to run and catch the ball. He has already made a big impact for the Lions and is expected to be a big part of their future.

Through 7 games, Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns on 90 attempts. He is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and 68 yards per game. Gibbs has also caught 31 passes for 200 yards.

Gibbs has been one of the most impressive rookies in the NFL this season. He is a dynamic playmaker who can run with power and elusiveness. He is also a good receiver out of the backfield. Gibbs has been a key contributor to the Lions’ offense.