Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs should be fine after an awkward landing late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 20-17 victory over the Green Bay Packers, head coach Dan Campbell said.
“Dan Campbell says Jahmyr Gibbs should be fine despite going down awkwardly on that last run,” Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit reported from the postgame press conference.
The play came with the Lions needing a first down to set up a potential game-winning field goal. On third-and-6, Gibbs took the handoff, gained eight yards and had a clear path toward the end zone. Instead of scoring, he pulled up short and stayed in bounds so Detroit could run the clock down before kicking.
The decision worked. Jake Bates’ 22-yard field goal as time expired gave the Lions the win and improved them to 5-2. Green Bay fell to 4-3. Gibbs’ choice kept the Packers from getting the ball back with any real chance to tie or win in regulation.
Observers noticed the awkward way Gibbs went to the ground on the play. He appeared to favor the area briefly before leaving the field. No specific injury was announced beyond the visual concern from the slide.
Campbell addressed the situation directly after the game and offered reassurance about the team’s lead back. The Lions will monitor Gibbs in the days ahead, with the next injury report expected Wednesday.
Gibbs finished the afternoon with 29 carries for 116 rushing yards. He also caught five passes for 27 yards. Those numbers added to an already heavy workload for the 24-year-old.
Heading into the Week 7 matchup, Gibbs had 504 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 105 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per attempt. He also had 27 receptions for 243 yards and two scores through the first five starts of the season. The Lions have given him nearly 28 touches per game early in the year while averaging more than 22 carries.
After the Packers game, Gibbs sits at 620 rushing yards on 134 carries through six games, along with 32 receptions for 270 yards. His dual-threat production remains a central piece of Detroit’s offense.
The team made him the highest-paid running back in the league this offseason with a three-year, $67.5 million extension that keeps him under contract through the 2030 season. At $22.5 million per year, the deal reflected the value the Lions place on their primary ball carrier.
Gibbs has been the engine of an offense that ranks among the league’s more productive units. His ability to handle a high volume of carries and catches gives Detroit a reliable option in both the run and pass game.
The NFC North rivalry with Green Bay added extra weight to the outcome. The narrow win keeps the Lions in solid position in the division race as the season continues.
Campbell’s postgame comments suggest the awkward landing will not sideline Gibbs for any extended period. Still, the team’s approach with its most important offensive player will likely include careful management moving forward.
