Starter David Montgomery missed practice for the Detroit Lions on Thursday, leaving the team hopeful rookie Jahmyr Gibbs can return from a hamstring injury for Sunday’s game at Baltimore.
Gibbs was limited at Thursday’s practice and did not play in the last two games, including what looks like a costly win over the Buccaneers last week.
Craig Reynolds stepped into a bigger role last week after Montgomery left Detroit’s victory with a rib injury. Campbell said earlier this week Montgomery could be out multiple games.
Reynolds rushed for 15 yards on 10 carries at Tampa Bay but was limited Thursday with toe and hamstring injuries. He did not practice Wednesday.
Gibbs is “trending the right direction,” head coach Dan Campbell said. A first-round pick, Gibbs didn’t play in the Lions’ wins over the Carolina Panthers or Buccaneers.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said the loss of Montgomery is significant for an offense that had identified him as the featured back, but believes the Lions have the depth to hold up.
“He was a bell cow for us,” Johnson said. “But like we’ve had so often already this year in the receiver room and the O-line room, someone will step up and rise to the occasion, there’s no doubt about it.”
The Lions already were without backup running back Zonovan Knight, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn labrum.
–Field Level Media
