Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs says he’s being split out ‘way more’

Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs says he’s being split out ‘way more’ under new OC John Morton

Jahmyr Gibbsis preparing for a bigger role in the Detroit Lions’ passing attack under new offensive coordinator John Morton.

The third-year running back told WXYT Detroit that he’s being lined up out wide far more than in his first two NFL seasons.

“I gotta learn the formations for being split out,” Gibbs said. “I’m being split out like way more than I was the past two years. That’s good. That’s going to be fun. I’ve been waiting on that.”

Detroit has long viewed Gibbs as more than just a traditional runner. Since drafting him 12th overall in 2023, they’ve talked about maximizing his receiving skills.

But under former OC Ben Johnson, Gibbs mainly operated from the backfield taking 568 of his 638 snaps there last season, according to Pro Football Focus. He lined up in the slot just 32 times and went out wide 38 times both down from his rookie year.

Through two seasons, Gibbs has caught 104 passes for 833 yards and 5 touchdowns. With Morton now calling plays, Gibbs looks set for more action in the slot and out wide, creating potential mismatch problems .

Even with more receiving work, the Lions won’t move away from David Montgomery, who complements Gibbs with a more physical rushing style.

Instead, Detroit could run both backs together more often, using Gibbs as a receiver to keep defenses guessing.