The Detroit Lions are being forced to consider switching Jahmyr Gibbs’ role as they attempt to salvage their 2025 season from potential disaster ahead of their Week 14 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
The team fell to 7-5, following a disappointing defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day, and injuries have continued to mount to the extent that it now threatens derailing Detroit’s entire playoff push.
The Lions are dealing with the absence of key wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was taken off during the Packers game with an ankle injury. St. Brown’s status for the upcoming matchup against the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain.
His absence would only add to the Lions’ woes, given that tight end Sam LaPorta is expected to miss the remainder of the season after recently undergoing back surgery.
LaPorta was on pace for a career year before the injury, but the 24-year-old is not likely to return in the final weeks.
Gibbs at WR, Campbell forced into action
In response to potentially being left without two attacking weapons, Lions coach Dan Campbell is reportedly considering a position change for running back Jahmyr Gibbs, another key cog in the offense.
The idea would be to move him into the wide receiver role to compensate for their depleted options in the wide receiver corps. It would at least ensure Detroit‘s top playmakers are on the field as much as possible.
Speaking on 105.3 The Fan, Lions insider Dave Birkett shed light on the change: “That’s a very distinct possibility. He had a game earlier this year where he had 10-11 catches, they’ve certainly used him that way.
“They have two good playmakers and everyone else is just a guy. And that’s Jahmyr and Jameson Williams. And they need to get the ball in those guys’ hands as much as possible.”
Detroit face struggle to salvage playoff hopes
A victory against the Cowboys on Thursday would improve the Lions to 8-5, keeping them firmly in contention for a wild card spot.
They would trail the 9-4 San Francisco 49ers by just one game in the NFC‘s final playoff berth.
Additionally, the Lions‘ path is aided by the NFC North matchup between the 9-3 Chicago Bears and the 8-3-1 Green Bay Packers, guaranteeing that one of them will not register a win.
It means beating the Cowboys is less of a favor unto themselves, and more a necessity.
While a position switch for a star running back such as Gibbs is unusual at the NFL level, the Lions are clearly willing to get creative to maintain their postseason aspirations.
Other teams such as the 49ers have used Christian McCaffrey is a dual role and benefited greatly.
How well Gibbs adapts to the receiver role, and whether the Lions can avoid injuries, may determine the outcome of the season in the coming weeks.
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