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The Detroit Lions exited Monday’s practice with some reported concern.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, running back Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury. What’s more, ESPN’s Eric Woodyard noted cornerbacks Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (ankle) and Terrion Arnold (upper body) were also evaluated for injuries suffered during practice.
Detroit selected Arnold out of Alabama with a first-round pick and Rakestraw out of Missouri with a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, so any setbacks to them would be a blow to the team’s additions to the secondary this offseason.
Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News noted the cornerback injuries occurred during a one-on-one drill when Arnold was guarding Amon-Ra St. Brown and Rakestraw was guarding Jameson Williams.
The Lions don’t open the regular season until Sept. 8 against the Los Angeles Rams, but the rookies would surely benefit from additional work in training camp and the preseason. Detroit is scheduled to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Saturday in its second preseason game.
As for Gibbs, he figures to be an important part of the team’s offense when healthy.
The Alabama product was the No. 12 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft and reached the Pro Bowl in his rookie season behind 945 rushing yards, 316 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns.
His versatility alongside David Montgomery in the backfield allowed the Lions to mix-and-match offensive looks they threw at opponents as they won the NFC North and reached the NFC Championship Game.
It is reasonable to expect a jump from Gibbs in his second season now that he has more experience at the NFL level, but he will need to be healthy and on the field.
In the meantime, the Lions can rely more on the veteran Montgomery in the backfield.
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