Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is on track to play in the season opener as his injured hamstring continues to improve, coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday.

Gibbs, 22, hasn’t practiced since Aug. 12.

Campbell said he expects Gibbs to return to practice next week in preparation for the Sept. 8 opener at home against the Los Angeles Rams.

“He’s trending the right way,” Campbell told reporters. “Wish we had more practice with him, but as far as the health of it, he is healing and he’s on schedule to be back and get his legs back under him and we’ll see where he’s at.”

Gibbs made the Pro Bowl as a 2023 rookie with 1,261 yards from scrimmage. The 12th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Alabama, he ran 182 times for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns while catching 52 passes for 316 yards and another score in 15 games (three starts) last year.

The Lions are set to play their final preseason game Saturday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Campbell’s goal will be to avoid the injuries that have plagued his team this summer.

Campbell was optimistic about the other players who have been hampered by injuries on Tuesday.

He said Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta (hamstring) and starting guard Kevin Zeitler (shoulder) are also on the verge of a return, as are offensive tackle Dan Skipper (ankle) and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez (arm).

“We’re about to get a whole group of guys back, hopefully Sunday, and then they’ll get next week’s practice before we get ready for the Rams and then we do Rams practice,” Campbell said.

–Field Level Media