Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds back at practice; Detroit Lions break in blue helmets
The Detroit Lions got two key members of their offensive backfield back at practice Thursday, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said he's confident the team's running game won't slip with David Montgomery likely out multiple weeks with a rib injury.
"D-Mo’s a major blow," Johnson said. "He was a bell cow for us, but like we’ve had so often already this year in the receiver room and the O-line room, someone will step up and rise to the occasion, there’s no doubt about it."
Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs returned to practice Thursday after sitting out two games with a strained hamstring, and veteran backup Craig Reynolds was on the field after being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report with hamstring and toe injuries.
The Lions, who held an hourlong walk-through in lieu of practice Wednesday, have navigated persistent injury issues on offense all season.
They've started five different offensive line combinations in six games this year and have been without skill players Gibbs, Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams for one or more games due to injury or suspension.
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Montgomery, who missed one game with a thigh bruise earlier this season, tore cartilage in his ribs in last Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is out for this Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Gibbs, the No. 12 pick of April's draft, has played mostly as a complement to Montgomery this fall, but had 17 carries for 80 yards in Montgomery's absence against the Atlanta Falcons. And Reynolds had the key block to spring St. Brown for a touchdown after Montgomery left with his injury last week.
"Really kind of since Coach (Dan) Campbell came in we’re a very resilient group and as an offense, as a team, and guys tend to rise to the occasion when they get an opportunity," Johnson said.
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Left guard Jonah Jackson did not take part in the open portion of practice Thursday and is expected to miss his second straight game Sunday. Rookie defensive back Brian Branch returned to practice Thursday after missing two games with a sprained ankle.
The Lions practiced in their blue throwback helmets Thursday. Teams are required to break in new helmets for at least three practices before wearing them in games.
The Lions are scheduled to wear their throwback helmets for the first time this season in next week's Monday night game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lions confident in David Montgomery replacements: Someone will step up
