Will Jahmyr Gibbs Play Week 1? Latest News and Injury Update for the Lions’ RB

Although he served in a backup role most of his rookie 2023 season, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was a major fantasy football performer. His exceptional production has fantasy managers excited for the upcoming season.

But how much will a hamstring injury this preseason impact his status for the Lions’ season opener?

Jahmyr Gibbs Injury Update

Gibbs suffered a hamstring strain in the middle of August and initially left his status for the beginning of the season in doubt.

This was not Gibbs’ first bout with a hamstring injury, as he was forced to miss a couple of weeks early in the 2023 season because of a hamstring strain.

However, Gibbs returned to practice following the Lions’ final preseason game, and Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has said signs are trending towards Gibbs being ready to go for the Sept. 8 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.

Gibbs’ status is questionable, but the official injury designation will be announced next week leading up to the season opener.

Given Gibbs’ importance to the Lions’ offense, not to mention his fantasy value, he will have fantasy managers following injury updates through the week leading up to game time.

Gibbs’ Fantasy Outlook for Week 1

Since Campbell believes Gibbs will play, fantasy managers should probably feel confident about putting him in their lineup. After his tremendous rookie season, there are plenty of reasons to follow Gibbs’ status.

Although he shared time on the field with David Montgomery, Gibbs was the far better Detroit running back in fantasy last season. Gibbs finished in the top 10 among running backs in fantasy points per game (16.1, eighth) and total fantasy points (242.1, 10th).

Gibbs was particularly dominating during a 10-week stretch from Week 7 through Week 16 when he averaged 21.0 fantasy points per game. He also scored 10 touchdowns during that stretch.

Despite splitting time with Montgomery in the backfield, Gibbs is ranked as RB6 in the Pro Football Network’s fantasy football running back rankings, so his status is of major concern for fantasy managers as he’s a regular candidate to start each week in fantasy lineups.

By contrast, Montgomery checks in at RB18 in the PFN rankings.

Gibbs’ projections in the Pro Football Network’s start/sit projection tool for Week 1 are 16.9 fantasy points. Gibbs is projected to finish with seven receptions for 74.5 receiving yards. However, the projection tool doesn’t predict any rushing yards for Gibbs.

Gibbs has reached a status where he will be a starter each week in most fantasy lineups. So, keeping up to date on Gibbs’ injury situation, starting in Week 1 and going forward, will be a major storyline with the Detroit back until he proves he can be healthy on a regular basis.