Jahmyr Gibbs has been thrust into the spotlight ever since David Montgomery went down with an MCL injury. He has done nothing less than become a superstar who can single-handedly win games for the Lions.

Gibbs is in the middle of an incredible sophomore campaign. He has 250 carries for 1,412 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground. He has also hauled in 52 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver.

In many of those games, Gibbs was a complementary player to David Montgomery. Gibbs’ workload increased during Montgomery’s absence, but his efficiency did not dip off.

Gibbs became Detroit’s feature back in Week 16 and finished the regular season as their top weapon. In his three games as a lead back, Gibbs was incredible. He had 64 carries for 365 yards and five touchdowns rushing, which is good for 5.7 yards per carry.

Montgomery is expected to play on Saturday against the Commanders. It is easy to imagine the Lions returning to their old ways and splitting reps roughly 50-50 between their two backs. However, I believe that would be a mistake.

Gibbs has proven over the past three games that he is a true X-factor at the running back position. He fits the bill as a Christian McCaffrey or Alvin Kamara type of back who is a dual-threat weapon who can handle a ton of carries. Opposing defenses have to prepare differently for a player like Gibbs. Because of this, Detroit should lean into this and try to set Gibbs up for a big game instead of reducing his workload.

I will admit that one advantage of Sonic and Knuckles together is that both players can do a little of everything. That by itself keeps opposing defenses honest because they don’t know what will come next based on the running back.

I believe the Lions should lean on Gibbs as their X-factor and sprinkle in some Montgomery against the Commanders.

Once Montgomery has another week of practice under his belt, I could see Detroit going back to their normal 50-50 split for carries.