ALLEN PARK, Mich. — The Detroit Lions’ depth at running back is being put to the ultimate test this week, with the top three options on the depth chart all showing up on Wednesday’s injury report.
Ditching a traditional practice in favor of a walkthrough to preserve the team’s banged-up roster, the Lions could only offer up an estimation of practice participation. The good news is rookie runner Jahmyr Gibbs was projected as a limited participant after missing the previous two games because of a hamstring strain.
But the team’s other two running backs wouldn’t have been able to go Wednesday. With David Montgomery, that was expected, given coach Dan Campbell said the lead back will be down for a little bit after suffering a rib cartilage injury in Sunday’s victory over Tampa Bay.
More surprising and concerning was Craig Reynolds also being listed as a non-participant, while dealing with both a hamstring and a toe injury. If he is unable to get cleared ahead of Sunday’s game in Baltimore, and Gibbs isn’t ready for a full workload, the team will likely have to turn to its practice squad to help shoulder the load.
The Lions have two running backs on that unit after re-signing undrafted rookie Mohamed Ibrahim earlier this week. He joins Devine Ozigbo, who was temporarily elevated for last week’s game against Tampa, seeing three carries and catching a pass in the win.
Campbell also noted on Monday the team could turn to one or more of its receivers to help backfill the backfield.
Beyond the running back situation, guard Jonah Jackson was also projected as a non-participant, as he continues to deal with a sprained ankle that shelved him last week. Meanwhile, defensive back Brian Branch (ankle), tight end Sam LaPorta (calf), tight end James Mitchell (hamstring), center Frank Ragnow (toe) and defensive lineman Josh Paschal (knee) were all listed as limited.
The early expectation is most of that limited group will be available against the Ravens this weekend. Paschal is the biggest question mark, having just returned to practice last Friday after spending the past four weeks on injured reserve.
