Lions Running Back Jahmyr Gibbs Doubtful with Hamstring Injury against Panthers: What’s the Impact?

Jahmyr Gibbs is unfortunately expected to miss Week 5 due to a hamstring injury.

The Detroit Lions have downgraded Gibbs to doubtful for their upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers, after initially listing him as questionable.

Gibbs appeared on the injury report for the first time on Friday, with a limited practice due to the hamstring issue. The rookie RB joins wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) and tight end James Mitchell (hamstring) as doubtful for Sunday’s home game.

Gibbs has shown promise as a change-of-pace back alongside David Montgomery, impressing the Lions who selected him with the twelfth-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. So far, Gibbs has gained 179 yards on 39 rushing attempts (4.6 YPC) and caught 14 passes for 70 receiving yards, but has yet to score a touchdown in four games.

While Gibbs is unlikely to play on Sunday, the Lions will welcome back a couple of key players who are set to make their season debuts in 2023.

Wide receiver Jameson Williams, the Lions’ twelfth overall pick in 2022, has completed his suspension for violating the league’s gambling policy and has been activated from the Reserve/Commissioner Exempt List. Additionally, pass rusher Julian Okwara (shoulder) has been activated from injured reserve.

Williams, who missed most of his rookie season due to a torn ACL suffered in his final college game with Alabama, was targeted nine times during limited snaps and managed to make a memorable 41-yard touchdown catch.

Okwara, who sustained a shoulder injury during the preseason, is expected to bolster the Detroit pass rush, which currently ranks tied for fourth in the NFL with 13.0 sacks this season.