Is Jahmyr Gibbs Injured or Healthy? Fantasy Football Injury Update

The Detroit Lions completed the overhaul of their backfield by drafting former Georgia Tech and Alabama standout Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round. It’s a decision widely regarded as a surprise outside the Lions’ war room for the 2023 NFL Draft. Even Gibbs was surprised that the Lions took him earlier than projected.

They had other glaring concerns but chose to fortify their running back rotation, but they had a plan in mind after trading D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles. Last year’s rushing touchdowns leader Jamaal Williams has already bolted to the New Orleans Saints.

Detroit has completed the total revamp of their backfield with Gibbs and David Montgomery. They even traded down with the Arizona Cardinals to get their guy at number 12. While a running back is the least of the Lions’ needs, there were also questions regarding Gibbs’ health. That Gibbs missed rookie mini-camp after spraining an ankle injury prompted Lions fans to raise the red flag. Will he follow the fate of former Detroit running backs Swift and Kerryon Johnson?

Why Drafting Jahmyr Gibbs Makes Sense For The Lions

Gibbs did have some injuries in college. After separating his shoulder, he missed the final two games of the Yellow Jackets’ 2020 season. He also sat out a game after injuring his ankle in the Crimson Tide’s victory against Ole Miss. However, he returned after two games and played in the 2022 Iron Bowl against Auburn.

General manager Brad Holmes gave the go signal for Gibbs probably because they wanted to establish a menacing run game. While the Lions ranked 11^th in rushing yards per game last season, their backs had limitations. Williams works best during short-yardage situations. Meanwhile, Swift is a solid option when he’s healthy. It’s a gamble that Detroit doesn’t want to risk, considering that Swift is yet to complete an entire regular season.

With Gibbs and Montgomery, the Lions have a backfield that can make tacklers miss on the open field. All they need to do is to maximize the gaps created by their offensive line, featuring Pro Bowlers Frank Ragnow, Jonah Jackson, and Penei Sewell.

Gibbs can make sudden changes in pace and direction. He will win one-on-one matches against slower defenders because of his light feet. He can also be a threat in Detroit’s passing attack, giving Jared Goff another target. If he can stay healthy, those attributes should help the Lions’ offense kick into another gear.

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