Why David Montgomery will have less contact with the Detroit Lions in 2025 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.
The Detroit Lions’ running back space has changed in 2025 with the additions of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
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The two running backs have split the workload almost equally in recent years, with the Lions utilizing Gibbs more this season.
In 2023 and 2024, Montgomery averaged 16.8 and 15.7 touches per game, respectively, but now it has dropped to 11.9 times per game in 2025.
Gibbs, meanwhile, went from averaging 15.6 touches per game in 2023 and 17.7 in 2024 to 18.8 touches per game in 2025.
Why David Montgomery is taking fewer touches
Montgomery is undoubtedly a quality running back, and Gibbs is a superstar whose presence on the field makes the Lions offense better, plain and simple.
Montgomery is a grinder and a 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 multiple times this season.
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Gibbs is also a great pass catcher and can be just as explosive as a receiver out of the backfield.
The bottom line is that Gibbs provides more help in all aspects of the game and is too talented to be split evenly with Montgomery like he was the past two seasons.