Who Should I Start? D'Andre Swift or Jahmyr Gibbs

Sunday, July 27, 10:01 AM

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift was working in two-minute drills during Saturday's practice. The lead back job remains up in the air right now, but Swift seems the most likely starter to open the season. Last season, Swift rushed for 959 yards with six touchdowns while hauling in 42 receptions for an additional 386 yards through the air in 17 games during his first year in Chicago. It's worth noting that the Bears also have Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai competing for touches in the backfield. The Bears do have new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way in Chicago. Possibly, Johnson decides to use Swift in a different role this upcoming season. This is a situation to monitor throughout training camp.

Tuesday, July 29, 6:30 PM

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy points out that "one thing that's been clear as these practices have unfolded is that Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is usually the first back on the field with the starters." In past years, David Montgomery would often get the bulk of the first carries of the game before we'd see Gibbs. Pouncy cautions that it could be nothing to read into, but there was a clear pecking order that often translated to games. With Montgomery injured last year, Gibbs couldn't be stopped, totaling 487 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns in the final three games of the regular season. It's now Year 3 for Gibbs, and the Lions have been open about using more two-back sets with both Gibbs and Monty. In addition to being used out of the backfield, Gibbs has also lined up at receiver with Montgomery on the field. It looks like the Lions want Gibbs on the field as much as possible in 2025.