Lions player Jahmyr Gibbs feels at 98-100% after thigh strain

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs says he’s ready for Sunday night’s Week 1 opener against the Los Angeles Rams.

Gibbs, 22, told ESPN he is “98 to 100 percent” healthy after straining a hamstring during a night workout on Aug. 12.

“I’m OK. I’m OK. I just had a little injury,” Gibbs said. “We were running routes, and I ran a run and reached out for the ball and probably went too far or something.”

Gibbs and most of the Lions’ regular players were unable to play in the preseason as they are expected to start the 2024 regular season in top form. The Rams-Lions clash will be a rematch of last season’s wildcard playoff game, which Detroit won 24-23 for its first playoff victory since the 1991 season.

As a rookie, Gibbs was named to the Pro Bowl after rushing for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns and catching for 316 yards and one touchdown. He was also named a finalist for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after playing a big role in Detroit’s run to the NFC Championship Game.

The Lions enter the 2024 season with high expectations. According to ESPN Analytics, they have the third-best chance of reaching the Super Bowl at 17.6%, despite being one of only four NFL franchises to have ever been to the Super Bowl.

Gibbs said he is going into his second year with “more confidence overall” and wants to help his team become champions.

“I hope we have a pretty good year,” Gibbs said. “I’m just more confident and I know the offense better, so that helps me a lot with everything that comes with that.”