Lions designate Gibbs as primary ball carrier for 2026
Head coach Dan Campbell confirms the 24-year-old will shoulder the majority of the workload, with speculation mounting over potential 300-carry seasons and secondary backfield options.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has formally designated running back Jahmyr Gibbs as the team’s primary ball carrier for the 2026 NFL season. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Campbell clarified the organisational shift in the backfield, stating, “He’s gonna be our bellcow now. … We’re gonna hang our hat on him quite a bit.” This directive follows the 2025 campaign, where the Lions finished with a 9-8 record and missed the playoffs, a season marked by offensive inconsistencies but highlighted by Gibbs’ individual statistical output.
Gibbs, who is entering his fourth NFL season at age 24, recorded 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 243 carries last year, averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He also contributed significantly in the passing game, catching 77 passes for 616 yards and five touchdowns. With former starter David Montgomery no longer on the roster, Campbell’s comments indicate a strategic pivot to maximise Gibbs’ usage, potentially pushing his workload beyond the 300 carries mark in the upcoming season.
The absence of a proven secondary option has raised questions regarding the management of Gibbs’ workload. While Isiah Pacheco is currently viewed as the likely second running back, the Lions’ front office is reportedly considering a trade for New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara to provide additional depth. The team faces the challenge of balancing Gibbs’ high usage with injury prevention, given the lack of a reliable backup to share the load.
Campbell’s emphasis on Gibbs as the central figure in the ground game suggests the Lions will build their offensive identity around his versatility. The coaching staff’s willingness to “hang their hat” on the 24-year-old underscores a belief in his ability to handle an expanded role, despite the physical demands of exceeding 300 carries in a single season.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Lions must finalise their backfield composition. Whether they retain Pacheco as the primary backup or pursue external options like Kamara, the immediate future of Detroit’s rushing attack rests squarely on Gibbs’ shoulders. The team’s ability to sustain offensive production will depend on how effectively they manage his workload while addressing the void left by Montgomery’s departure.
