Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has recognized that a change is needed — one that could come at the expense of rising star **Jahmyr Gibbs**.
After weeks of fans calling for Gibbs to become the clear No. 1 option in the Lions’ backfield, Detroit finally gave him the keys to the run game. However, the results haven’t quite matched the hype. His once-explosive efficiency has dipped as he’s taken on a heavier workload, proving that the transition to a feature-back role isn’t without growing pains.
Meanwhile, **David Montgomery** has quietly continued to thrive despite a reduced number of carries. His consistency has not gone unnoticed, and Campbell now seems ready to rebalance the offense to give Montgomery more opportunities.
Known for being one of the NFL’s most candid coaches, Campbell didn’t shy away from addressing the issue during his **Week 7 press conference** ahead of Detroit’s matchup with the **Tampa Bay Buccaneers**. The Lions coach admitted that Gibbs has recently been getting the larger share of touches but made it clear he wants that to change.
> “I would like to balance [Gibbs and Montgomery] out,” Campbell told reporters. “I’d like to give David some more [chances], find a place to get him a few more.”
Campbell’s comments were as direct as they come, signaling a shift toward a more even workload between the two backs. He also revealed that Detroit had hoped to do this during their 30-17 loss to the **Kansas City Chiefs**, but the game script forced them to keep leaning on Gibbs’ receiving ability instead.
> “We were hoping to do that in the second half [against Kansas City],” Campbell explained. “But when you’re in fourth-and-10s, it changes what you can do.”
Heading into the next stretch of the season, fans can expect a return to a **1A-1B backfield** dynamic rather than Gibbs serving as the clear-cut primary option. While Gibbs has been solid statistically, Montgomery’s steady production and reliability seem to have earned him a bigger slice of the pie once again.
For Campbell, it’s not about playing favorites — it’s about finding the formula that gives the Lions the best shot at a **championship run** in 2025.
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