ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing isn’t worried about running back Jahmyr Gibbs’ absence from practice, saying one of the team’s top offensive weapons will be ready when it matters most.
Gibbs has not participated on the practice field during training camp, but Petzing said the team remains confident in the Pro Bowl running back despite the missed reps in a new offensive system.
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“He’s one of our best players,” Petzing said. “We always want him out there, but I know he’s going to be ready when the moment comes. So, not concerned about it at all.”
Petzing acknowledged there is value in on-field work with teammates, particularly under a new coordinator, but said Gibbs’ experience and communication with coaches minimize any concerns.
“I think his skill set is very obvious,” Petzing said. “We know what that’s going to look like when he hits the field for us.”
While Gibbs has been sidelined, running back Isiah Pacheco has received an increased workload.
Petzing praised Pacheco’s work ethic and physical running style, saying the veteran has impressed coaches since organized team activities.
“He’s been awesome,” Petzing said. “Just the way he approaches the job, how physical and how tough he is, how hard he practices, how much he cares.”
Petzing said Pacheco’s attention to detail and competitive nature have stood out early in camp.
“He can have an unbelievable practice, and if there’s one rep he didn’t do exactly the way he wanted, he beats himself up over it,” Petzing said. “I think that is contagious.”
The Lions’ new offensive coordinator said his offense will emphasize toughness and adaptability rather than relying on one player or personnel package.
“It needs to be physical. It needs to be tough. It needs to be difficult to defend,” Petzing said. “It’s not going to all run through one person. It’s not going to run through one personnel. It’s going to change week to week.”
Petzing dismissed the idea that personnel groupings, including his previous use of multiple tight-end sets, would define Detroit’s offense.
“It’s an opportunity to put your best players on the field,” Petzing said. “If it’s 13 personnel, if it’s 11 personnel, if it’s 10 personnel, that’s what it’s going to be.”
He also praised the competitiveness throughout the roster, saying playing time and touches will be earned throughout training camp.
“You show me you do something at a high level,” Petzing said, “it’s my job to put you in that position over and over again.”
Petzing highlighted the physical mindset developing along the offensive line, noting that full-contact practices have provided a clearer evaluation of the group’s progress.
“If the physicality is not there, the toughness isn’t there, the other part doesn’t matter,” Petzing said.
Among the receivers, Petzing said Jameson Williams has continued building on last season’s progress by becoming more physical at the line of scrimmage and at the top of routes.
“The speed is second to none,” Petzing said. “He’s tried to really improve by gaining some of that play strength, being faster at the line of scrimmage and playing physical at the top of the route.”
As training camp continues, Petzing said the focus remains on refining the Lions’ offensive identity before shifting toward opponent-specific game planning later this summer.
“We have to be good at what we’re good at,” Petzing said. “Right now, the focus is very much still on how do we get better at what we are.”