So, you're checking the status of the Detroit Lions' star back. It makes sense. If you're looking for an answer on is Jahmyr Gibbs playing today, the short and honest answer is no.
The Detroit Lions are not on the schedule for Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Why? Because their season is officially over. Despite a late-season surge and some record-breaking individual performances, the Lions missed out on the 2025-26 postseason. After a gritty 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears in the Week 18 finale on January 4, the team packed their lockers.
Gibbs finished the year healthy, which is a massive win given his workload, but he won't be taking snaps today.
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Why the Lions Aren't on the Field
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for Detroit fans. Just a year ago, this team was the toast of the NFC, but 2025 was a different beast. They finished the regular season with a 9-8 record. Normally, nine wins puts you right in the thick of the Wild Card hunt, but the NFC was weirdly top-heavy this year.
A brutal three-game losing streak in December basically torched their playoff dreams. That stretch included a heartbreaking 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day where Gibbs struggled to find running lanes, managing only 41 yards on 17 carries.
By the time the calendar turned to 2026, the math just didn't work in their favor.
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Looking Back at Gibbs’ Historic 2025 Season
Even though he isn't playing today, it’s worth talking about what Gibbs just pulled off. The guy is essentially a human highlight reel. He wrapped up his third NFL season with 1,223 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground. But that’s only half the story.
He also hauled in 77 receptions for 616 yards and another 5 scores through the air.
Honestly, he’s becoming one of the most versatile weapons we’ve seen in a long time. He actually tied an NFL record for the most games with a touchdown in the first three years of a career—sharing that spot with legends like Barry Sanders and Randy Moss. That is elite company.
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He didn't just meet expectations; he basically shattered the "sophomore slump" or "third-year plateau" narratives people love to throw around.
What’s Next for Detroit and Jahmyr Gibbs?
The offseason is already moving fast. Head coach Dan Campbell has made it clear that while the season ended in disappointment, the foundation is still there.
There's some heavy chatter about the coaching staff, though. The Lions recently moved on from their offensive coordinator, which means Gibbs will be learning a new system heading into the 2026-27 season.
Fans are also keeping an eye on the roster. There are rumors about David Montgomery's future and whether the Lions will lean even harder into Gibbs as a true "bell-cow" back.
Actionable Next Steps for Lions Fans:
- Check the Pro Bowl: Gibbs was selected to the Pro Bowl roster again. If you want to see him in a jersey one last time before the summer, keep an eye on the Pro Bowl Games schedule for early February.
- Monitor Coaching Hires: The new offensive coordinator hire will dictate how Gibbs is used. If they bring in a pass-heavy specialist, expect his receiving targets to skyrocket even further.
- Dynasty Fantasy Strategy: If you're in a dynasty league, do not sell. His value is at an all-time high, and at 23 years old, he is just entering his physical prime.
The Lions might be sitting at home today, but the way Gibbs ended the season—dropping 113 total yards on Chicago in the finale—suggests that 2026 could be a massive bounce-back year for the franchise.