Dan Campbell Sends Clear Message On Jahmyr Gibbs’ Role After RB Shakeup
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-DECEMBER 4: Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs 0 runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-dallasco251204_npAjp.jpg
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-DECEMBER 4: Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs 0 runs the ball for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJorgexLemusx originalFilename:lemus-dallasco251204_npAjp.jpg
The Lions have spent the last three seasons carefully managing running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ workload. Even as he emerged into one of the NFL’s most explosive offensive weapons, he consistently split touches with veteran David Montgomery. However, that approach is changing in 2026.
Following Montgomery's trade to the Texans, Lions head coach Dan Campbell made it clear that Gibbs is no longer part of a shared backfield. Instead, Detroit plans to build much of its offense around Gibbs.
“I mean he is, he’s going to be our bell cow now. He really became more of that last year, but we’re going to hang our hat on him quite a bit. We’re going to do a lot of things we feel like he does well.”
Campbell’s confidence stems from Gibbs’ ability to impact games in multiple ways. Campbell has made it clear that Detroit’s backfield will be the Gibbs show.
Feb 1, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during NFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 1, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) during NFC practice at the Flag Fieldhouse Moscone Center South Building. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
“He can run everything we’ve got. He can run every scheme that anybody’s ever run,” said Campbell. “He’s not just an outside runner. He is not just a space runner. He can create his own space in the middle.”
Campbell also mentioned his plans for the WRs.
“We’re going to ask a lot of him, just like we do Saint (Amon-Ra St. Brown), we ask a lot of Saint, we’re going to ask a lot of Jaymo (Jameson Williams), we’re going to ask a lot of (Sam) LaPorta.”
He added, “We expect him (Gibbs) to have a big year for us. We’re going to put a lot on his plate in the run and pass game.”
Gibbs, on the other hand, is more than up to the challenge.
Gibbs Reacts To Change In Role
It was no surprise to see Gibbs finally running the show in the backfield. 182 carries in his rookie year in 2023, 250 carries in 2024 and 243 last season, ranking 11th among NFL running backs and 80 behind NFL leader Johnathan Taylor with 323, considering that he was. Talking to reporters after Detroit’s second open OTA practice, Gibbs talked about his expected role.
“It’s not nothing I’m not used to. Growing up, I’ve always been the person that’s always having those carries and stuff like that, so I’m not looking at it any different than any other year.”
Gibbs has rushed for at least 1200 yards and 13 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. He saw a lot more usage in the pass game with a career-high 77 passes.
How do you think Gibbs will perform in his new role? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Dhruv Vishnu Nair
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi