Jahmyr Gibbs: Everything you need to know

Gibbs is now the sole clear leader of Detroit's backfield, with the team having traded David Montgomery to the Texans on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Gibbs has significantly outpaced Montgomery in back-to-back seasons despite the tandem sharing work out of the Lions' backfield, but the 28-year-old veteran's departure ushers in a new era for the ground game in Detroit. Since joining the team as a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Gibbs has consistently operated in a split backfield and manufactured dominant production via explosiveness, efficiency and pass-catching chops rather than overwhelming volume. It's worth noting that in 2025, Montgomery averaged five fewer touches per game while Gibbs managed to total 1,839 yards from scrimmage and 18 total touchdowns while handling a career-high 320 offensive touches and suiting up for all 17 regular-season games. Nonetheless, it would be surprising if the Lions don't bring in another complementary backfield option in free agency or April's draft.

Gibbs rushed 19 times for 80 yards and brought in three of five targets for 33 yards and a touchdown in the Lions' 19-16 win over the Bears on Sunday. Gibbs led the Lions in rushing yards while also providing his fifth touchdown catch of the season on a 15-yard grab with under five minutes remaining in the first half. The third-year pro bounced back nicely on the ground after several weeks of subpar production, recording his highest rushing yardage tally since his memorable 219-yard effort against the Giants in Week 12. Gibbs put together another stellar campaign in a non-playoff season for Detroit, rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns at 5.1 yards per carry while adding a career-best 77-616-5 receiving line across 17 games.

Gibbs rushed 17 times for 41 yards, caught two of three targets for 23 yards and lost a fumble in Thursday's 23-10 loss to the Vikings. Gibbs continued to struggle on the ground with his fourth consecutive game of 43 or fewer rushing yards, and he lost a fumble for the first time this season in the second quarter. The Lions' untimely three-game losing streak has knocked them out of playoff contention heading into the Week 18 regular-season finale at Chicago, but Gibbs has yet to endure a multi-game touchdown drought in 2025. Week 18 will mark Gibbs' final opportunity to add to his NFL-record 48 scrimmage touchdowns through three regular seasons.