As the Detroit Lions gear up for their Week 1 clash against the Los Angeles Rams, the team is hopeful about the return of their dynamic running back, Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during a practice session earlier this month, has shown promising signs of recovery.
Head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism regarding Gibbs' progress, highlighting his potential availability for the upcoming season opener. "Our plan is to get him going next week," Campbell stated, indicating that Gibbs is on track with his recovery timeline.
A Stellar Debut Season
Gibbs made a significant impact in his debut season, recording 945 rushing yards and ten touchdowns on 182 carries. His performance placed him second on the team in rushing yards, touchdowns, and carries. Aside from his contributions on the ground, Gibbs also showcased his versatility by hauling in 52 receptions for 316 yards and one touchdown.
His prowess wasn’t limited to the regular season. In the playoffs, Gibbs added 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. He also contributed in the passing game with 94 yards and one touchdown on 14 receptions, proving to be a crucial component of the Lions' offensive strategy.
Looking Ahead to the Rams Clash
Campbell's optimism isn't just confined to Gibbs. The Lions are actively preparing for their final preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers and are hoping to see several key players return to action soon. Among those listed as potential returnees are tight end Sam LaPorta, offensive tackle Dan Skipper, guard Kevin Zeitler, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, and defensive lineman DJ Reader. "We're hoping the day after [this Saturday's preseason finale against the Steelers], I think we're going to get a lot of guys back," Campbell noted.
The team is meticulously planning a rigorous preparation week leading up to the highly anticipated Rams game. "Wish we had more practice with him, but as far as the health of it, he's healing and he's on schedule to be back, and get his legs back under him. And we'll see where he's at," Campbell added, emphasizing the importance of getting Gibbs back into the mix.
A Key Component of the Offense
Gibbs' role in the Lions' offensive strategy cannot be overstated. His dual-threat capability as both a runner and receiver adds a significant dimension to Detroit's attack. The team is looking forward to having him at full strength as they aim to start the season on a high note.
"So, we're about to get a whole group of guys back, hopefully Sunday," Campbell mentioned, underscoring the hopeful return of several injured players. This would provide a much-needed boost to the team's depth and overall performance as they head into the regular season.
Campbell's statements reflect a broader sentiment within the organization: a collective readiness to restore their lineup and hit the ground running. "And then they'll get next week's practice before we get ready for the Rams and then we do Rams practice. So, Gibbs falls into that boat," he concluded.
With Gibbs trending in the right direction and the potential return of other key players, the Lions are poised for a rigorous preparation phase. The final preseason game against the Steelers on Saturday will undoubtedly be a crucial stepping stone, setting the stage for a fully prepared and reinvigorated squad as they prepare to face the Rams.