Jahmyr Gibbs gave fantasy football managers a major scare when he left practice with a hamstring injury a few weeks back. It initially looked as though Gibbs could miss significant time, but the concern was quickly removed by Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Ahead of Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season, what is the latest injury update for Gibbs, and what is his fantasy outlook for 2024?
What Is the Latest on Jahmyr Gibbs’ Injury?
On Monday afternoon, Gibbs told ESPN that he’s ready to go for Week 1, and feels 98-100% after he tweaked his hamstring.
“I’m good, just had a little tweak” said Gibbs.
This update from Gibbs comes after he returned to practice on Sunday, with Dan Campbell telling reporters that the second-year running back looked good.
Despite Gibbs’ comment after his return to practice, he is still listed as questionable on fantasy sites.
His status should change after the Lions release their first injury report of the week. Unless Gibbs suffers a setback in practice, it appears he will be available for Week 1.
Jahmyr Gibbs’ Fantasy Outlook
Jahmyr Gibbs delivered RB1 numbers in 2023 despite being undersized and part of a timeshare. His explosive playmaking ability and efficiency make him one of the most exciting young running backs in the NFL, but his volume remains a concern.
While Gibbs has the potential to take on a larger role, it’s hard to justify ranking him ahead of proven workhorses like Bijan Robinson and Breece Hall. Gibbs’ value lies in his efficiency rather than sheer volume, which could limit his ceiling compared to other top RBs.
Gibbs is currently being drafted as the RB6, 12th overall. This places him behind Saquon Barkley and Jonathan Taylor, both of whom are likely to see more touches. However, Gibbs’ talent and explosiveness make him an appealing pick in the back half of Round 1, especially if you’re targeting a high-upside RB.
In 2023, Gibbs averaged 5.4 yards per touch and had the second-highest rate of carries going for 15+ yards in the NFL. While he may not be built for a 350-touch workload, Gibbs can still produce elite numbers with 230-250 touches.
Gibbs’ current ADP reflects his potential and efficiency rather than volume. If you’re looking for a running back with explosive upside, Gibbs is worth considering at his ADP. While he may not offer the same workload as other top RBs, his ability to make the most of his touches makes him a valuable asset in fantasy football.