Why David Montgomery is getting less touches with Detroit Lions in 2025 originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.The Detroit Lions have seen a shift in their running backs room in 2025 with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.After the two running backs split work almost evenly in recent years, the Lions have been utilizing Gibbs more this season.In 2023 and 2024, Montgomery averaged 16.8 and 15.7 touches per game, respectively, but is now down to 11.9 per in 2025.Meanwhile, Gibbs went from 15.6 and 17.7 touches per contest in 2023 and 2024, respectively, to 18.8 per in 2025.Why David Montgomery is getting less touchesWhile Montgomery is no doubt a good running back, Gibbs is a superstar and his presence on the field makes the Lions’ offense better, plain and simple.Montgomery is a grinder and power runner. Gibbs can run with power but is also very explosive and can score touchdowns from anywhere on the field, as we’ve seen on several occasions this season.Gibbs is also the superior pass-catcher and is just as explosive as a receiver out of the backfield.The bottom line is that Gibbs just offers more in every aspect of the game and his talents are just too good to have him split work with Montgomery as evenly as the backs have the past two seasons.More NFL NewsCowboys’ Dak Prescott gives Lions bulletin board materialPlayer Bills cut to make room for Darius Slay claimed off waiversTee Higgins injury update is great news for Bengals WR’s Week 14 statusMarvin Harrison Jr., Trey Benson injury updates are more bad newsMicah Parsons makes strong statement on Penn State’s next head coach