Who Should I Start? Jahmyr Gibbs or Kaleb Johnson

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.

Saturday, August 16, 11:25 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson handled 11 carries for 50 rushing yards and hauled in his only target for nine yards in a 17-14 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson once again struggled to find much room in the early going, but he managed to get loose a few times in the second and third quarters, including on a 14-yard scamper that marked the longest gain of his young NFL career. Although veteran halfback Jaylen Warren is primed to begin the campaign as the team's primary ballcarrier, Johnson, a third-round selection in April's draft, should mix in regularly and see an expanded role as the season progresses. His final audition before Week 1 will come against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.