A major storyline surrounding the Detroit Lions this week has centered on how the team is using its two standout running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Head coach Dan Campbell recently emphasized that the offense functions at its best when Montgomery is involved, noting that he frequently considers ways to better incorporate the veteran runner. While Montgomery’s drop in usage may not seem dramatic on the surface—he has 49 fewer carries and 48 fewer snaps through 14 games compared to last season—it represents a noticeable shift in role. In previous years, Montgomery opened games as the primary back, but this season Gibbs has been listed as the starter every week.

Gibbs has clearly earned a featured role, emerging as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. The Lions were right to expand his workload. Still, Montgomery remains a valuable piece, particularly now that tight end Sam LaPorta is unavailable. With key personnel missing, maximizing proven contributors becomes even more important.

Against the Chargers last week, Gibbs and Montgomery were on the field together for just six plays. Most of those snaps came in passing situations, with the lone rushing play resulting in Montgomery’s short touchdown run from a wildcat look. Campbell acknowledged that the reduced workload has been challenging for Montgomery and said the coaching staff is evaluating all possibilities, including revisiting the early-game usage that helped the offense thrive in past seasons.

Campbell also mentioned that the team has experimented with formations featuring both backs alongside three receivers, signaling that dual-back sets remain part of the discussion moving forward.

Montgomery’s rushing opportunities have declined sharply in recent weeks. He hasn’t reached double-digit carries since the Washington game six weeks ago, after doing so in seven of the season’s first nine contests. Prior to his knee injury late last year, games with fewer than 10 rushing attempts were rare for him.

These issues were a focal point on MLive’s Dungeon of Doom podcast, where hosts Kory Woods and Ben Raven fielded listener questions about the backfield. Both agreed the Lions should look for more creative ways to deploy Gibbs and Montgomery together.

Raven suggested fans could expect to see the two sharing the field for a handful of snaps each game, stressing the importance of keeping top talent involved—especially with LaPorta sidelined. He argued that a logical adjustment would be reintroducing Montgomery on early drives, rather than taking touches away from Gibbs.

Woods echoed that sentiment, recalling how Montgomery’s physical running style early in games helped establish an aggressive tone. Starting games that way again, he said, could benefit both backs and the offense as a whole.