Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs had a big day in the team's 31-30 win in overtime on Sunday over the New Orleans Saints. Without the Lions' lead No. 2 running back Isiah Pacheco, who was placed on injured reserve before the season, Gibbs handled 29 carries for 156 yards and two touchdowns. He added another five receptions for 30 yards.
Sione Vaki was the only other Lions running back credited with a rush, carrying the ball twice for seven yards. The Lions will need to continue to ask Gibbs to carry a greater share of the load this season after Pacheco had back surgery. Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Pacheco is expected to be out until at least December.
More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts "Lions RB Isiah Pacheco had surgery to remove a body that was pressing on a nerve in his back, source said," Rapoport posted on X. "It’s a 12 week recovery with a chance he’s back by early in December. Originally, Pacheco had an MCL injury, then hurt his back while training.
Robert Watkins IV, one of the nation’s experts, performed the procedure." Pacheco was placed on injured reserve before the season due to a MCL sprain and back injury. He signed with the Lions in March on a one-year, $1.81 million contract. After placing Pacheco on injured reserve, Lions general manager Brad Holmes said it was his hope the running back could return at some point this season.
In addition to Gibbs and Vaki, the Lions have running back Jacob Saylors on the 53-man roster. It remains to be seen if the Lions plan to give Vaki or Saylors more carries this season to save the wear and tear on Gibbs, who signed a 3-year, $67.5 million deal with Detroit during training camp this summer. With Pacheco out until at least December, the Lions could think about adding outside help to the position.
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