Lions RBs coach Tashard Choice says Jahmyr Gibbs has looked his best, expects bigger workload

Detroit Lions running backs coach Tashard Choice is making a clear bet on Jahmyr Gibbs’ continuing development, telling reporters that Gibbs has looked like his best self so far in his NFL career and that he is excited to see what he can do when his workload increases. The comment centers on a football reality that often defines offensive usage: when a young playmaker earns more opportunities, the staff’s confidence turns into a measurable role.

Choice’s assessment frames Gibbs as more than a situational weapon. While the Lions have used Gibbs in ways that showcased his speed and explosiveness, Choice’s focus on the “bigger workload” suggests the coaching staff is preparing to ask him to handle a larger share of the rushing and playmaking duties. For a running back, that is a different challenge than a smaller workload. It requires consistent decision-making across more carries, pass-protection reliability for longer stretches, and sustained effectiveness as defenses adjust.

In that context, Choice’s belief that this is Gibbs’ best look so far carries weight. As running backs get more reps, coaches typically evaluate not just highlight plays, but also the details that make production repeatable. Those details include how quickly a runner finds the correct crease, whether he can adjust to different run fits, and how he handles the physical toll of carrying heavier expectations for longer periods of time. Choice’s comments indicate the staff sees those elements aligning for Gibbs.

Gibbs, the Lions’ featured runner in their backfield planning, remains in a development phase that every franchise treats as pivotal. A running game built around an explosive back has to balance efficiency with entertainment, but it also has to create a stable offensive identity week to week. When a coaching staff talks about expanding a player’s workload, it usually indicates that the player is being trusted to carry a larger portion of that identity, not simply benefit from scripted matchups.

The Lions’ offensive planning has also made room for different types of backs, meaning the distribution of touches can change based on game flow and opponent tendencies. Choice’s comments do not promise any specific number of carries or a guaranteed role, but they do underline a direction: the staff wants Gibbs to grow into a bigger share of the offense. If that progression matches what Choice is seeing, Gibbs’ ability to stay productive as he handles more work becomes a central variable in how Detroit builds its running game.

There is also a broader roster implication in emphasizing Gibbs’ “best” form. Running back is a position where opportunity can be reshaped quickly by performance and health. By publicly expressing confidence in Gibbs’ current trajectory, Choice effectively raises the standard for how the Lions will evaluate the position behind him. That can tighten competition for backup reps and raise internal expectations for the whole room, even if the day-to-day workload still varies.

For the next stage, the key question is whether Gibbs can translate an improved look into sustained impact. Fans will likely focus on whether his carries become more frequent without sacrificing the burst that defines his style. Coaches will focus just as closely on reliability and play-to-play consistency, because a “bigger workload” only helps if it keeps the offense’s efficiency intact as defenses learn and game plans adjust. Choice’s comments set the tone that Gibbs’ role could continue expanding, and the Lions’ preparation will be measured by how well he handles it.