NFL

Campbell expects RB Gibbs (hammy) to be 'fine'

  • Eric Woodyard, ESPNAug 14, 2024, 08:58 AM ET

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      Eric Woodyard covers the Detroit Lions for ESPN. He joined ESPN in September 2019 as an NBA reporter dedicated to the Midwest region before switching to his current role in April 2021. The Flint, Mich. native is a graduate of Western Michigan University and has authored/co-authored three books: “Wasted, Ethan’s Talent Search” and “All In: The Kelvin Torbert Story”. He is a proud parent of one son, Ethan. You can follow him on Twitter: @E_Woodyard

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said that Jahmyr Gibbs will be “fine” going forward after the Pro Bowl running back left Monday’s practice with a hamstring injury.

“I think we’re gonna be fine here,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket on Wednesday morning. “So, I think we’ll be good.”

Campbell said his phone was ringing off the hook following Monday’s session, with people sharing their concerns after the news broke of Gibbs being evaluated for a leg injury.

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Lions rookie CB Terrion Arnold was also evaluated for an upper body injury while second-round CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. suffered an ankle injury on the same day.

Detroit was set for an intense team scrimmage Wednesday, but with the recent injuries, Campbell decided to dial back and remove the pads ahead of Saturday’s preseason game versus the Kansas City Chiefs.

Gibbs, 22, is a dynamic piece of the Lions’ offense. As a rookie in 2023, the former Alabama star rushed for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 316 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown.

Campbell also said second-year QB Hendon Hooker (concussion) could play against the Chiefs. In the preseason opener against the New York Giants, his night ended early as he left the field at the start of the fourth quarter and didn’t return.

“I think there’s a good chance. I can’t say absolutely yes, but it’s trending the right way,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket.

It was Hooker’s first game action since college after recovering from a torn ACL. In the third quarter, Hooker went 5-for-9 with 36 passing yards and a team-high 34 rushing yards — including a 16-yard gain in which he lowered his shoulder to get the first down near the end of the quarter.

Hooker returned to practice Wednesday where he drew confidence from the solid game-time reps against New York. He described the concussion experience as being frustrating because of all the time he previously missed due to injury, but it wasn’t his first time having one so it wasn’t too much for him to handle. His mother, Wendy, and the Lions coaching staff have encouraged him to slide more in the future to avoid contact.

“My mom is a huge fan of sliding, so I’ll always get it from her, but now the coaches are on me as well,” Hooker said following practice. “‘We’ve got to slide.’ That’s her thing. She’s been saying it for years. I’m learning.”

Detroit will host the Los Angeles Rams in the season opener on Sept. 8.