With veteran running back David Montgomery out against the Atlanta Falcons, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is expected to get starter's helping of snaps, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports via Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com.
"They're still gonna play multiple backs," Pelissero clarified on the Lions' plans at RB. "They don't want to wear Gibbs out, especially with a Thursday night game looming against the Packers.
The No. 12 overall pick has taken a back seat so far this season to Montgomery, whom Detroit added this offseason along with Gibbs to replaced the departed D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. Montgomery has played 61.9% of the Lions' offensive snaps and seen a team-high 38 touches for 148 yards from scrimmage and two scores, while Gibbs has logged just 37.3% of the snaps and 23 touches for 116 total yards. While Montgomery has toted the rock more (37 carries to Gibbs' 14), the rookie has been the go-to passing option out of the backfield (nine catches to Montgomery's one) and lined up all over the offensive formation.
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