Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs missed his sidekick David Montgomery for the final three regular season games.
On Saturday night, in the NFL divisional round game against the Washington Commanders, they will be back together against a team that’s ranked 30th in rushing defense.
“It’s going to be great, I missed him a lot, being around him everyday. Not being around him everyday was so much different,’’ Gibbs said on Wednesday. “Just being on the sideline with him, cracking jokes and stuff just watching him play – he’s a great player. I love watching what he does. It’s going to be fun to get back to what we were doing.’’
And what they were doing is helping the Lions to a 15-2 record and smashing franchise records along the way.
Even though he missed his buddy, Gibbs excelled in those three Montgomery-less games — all wins. He had 64 carries, 365 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns, along with 13 catches for 122 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Typically, Montgomery starts the game and the two alternate depending on who is having success. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson wouldn’t say if that will be the case on Saturday.
“It’s to be determined. Gibbs has certainly had a hot hand as of late and I expect David to come in and pick up where he left off,’’ Johnson said. “If the last two days (of practice) are any indication, he’s of the right mindset right now.’’
Montgomery, who rehabbed from an MCL sprain that happened on Dec. 15, is ready. He doesn’t want a pitch count, he just wants to go.
This dynamic duo was part of Campbell and GM Brad Holmes’ plan all along. They signed Montgomery as a free agent from the Bears in March 2023, and then a month later drafted Gibbs in the first round in a move that drew criticism from around the League. Obviously they’ve been vindicated.
Campbell said they were lucky to play in the NFC North with Montgomery.
“He was a pain in the rear. I hated playing against him because I thought he was a hammer. And we’ve got even better than that and I thought he was a good player. A tone-setter, heavy, great feet, can cut, finishing power, can protect, (he’s a) receiver out of the back. He can do it all. He’s a hammer.’’
Campbell said when he and Holmes scouted Gibbs they were blown away.
“We saw the fit immediately,’’ Campbell said. “For us it was always about a 1-2 punch.’’
(UP NEXT: Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions, 8 p.m. on Saturday at Ford Field.)
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