Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was trying to make a difference on Christmas Day against the Minnesota Vikings, but he didn’t have a great start to the game.
Since Gibbs did not play well last week, many expected him to have an explosive outing against the Vikings.
What’s Happening With Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs?
With the Lions tied with the Vikings at 7-7 near halftime, Gibbs, who does not appear to be injured, has nine carries for 28 yards.
But as Detroit was driving down the field in the first half, Gibbs took a handoff and fumbled the ball. The Vikings recovered, turning away a potential Lions’ scoring drive.
For the Lions, their defense has been on fire against the Vikings and rookie quarterback Max Brosmer, who is making just his second NFL start. Lions defensive star Aidan Hutchinson sacked Brosmer on this play, and added another one later in the first half.
Hutch with the third-down sack!#DETvsMIN 📺 Netflix pic.twitter.com/YT9fOPvSGH
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 25, 2025
Gibbs hopes he can overcome his mistake and lead Detroit to a win, which the Lions desperately need as they are on the outside looking in on the NFL postseason picture.
According to the PFSN NFL RB Impact metrics, Gibbs has an impact score of 82.5 and grades out to a B-. Entering Thursday’s big game, Gibbs had 207 carries for 1,102 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver option for Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Gibbs has 72 catches for 560 yards and four touchdown catches.
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Gibbs was a first-round draft pick out of Alabama by Detroit in the 2023 NFL Draft. This season, Gibbs is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, which helps Goff and the Detroit offense get good field position for scoring drives.
The Lions came into the Christmas Day road game against Minnesota with an 8-7 record. At this point, Detroit is on the outside looking in to the NFL postseason picture, but they can still make the playoffs as they always show up and play tough for their head coach, Dan Campbell.
Despite being down for most of the first half, the Lions scored late in the half on a Goff touchdown pass. That capped off an 80-yard drive, making it 7-7 with 1:05 left until halftime at that point. Needless to say, the Lions needed that touchdown heading into halftime. However, Gibbs must step up and help Detroit pick up a big win with a big second half.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
