Jahmyr Gibbs excited by chance to compete against friend Bijan Robinson

The Detroit Lions could see backfield changes for Week 3, and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs is ready to step up.

Gibbs will likely get more snaps for the hobbled Lions. That sets up a showdown, as fellow 2023 draft classmate Bijan Robinson comes to town with the Atlanta Falcons.

Robinson was selected before Gibbs in April, and the duo is breaking into the league together. Considering how both are and will be linked, it's an interesting matchup.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Gibbs discussed his relationship with Robinson and revealed the two are close.

"I know him pretty well. My coach from Georgia Tech (running backs coach Tashard Choice) was my coach for two years. Then he went to Texas to coach, so I got to know him through my coach. Talked to him some when I was in LA for the the rookie premiere and the (Alabama) game last year (vs.) Texas. The first time I seen him was (the) All-American game in high school, so that's where I first met him."

Competing against Robinson is special for Gibbs, who said he will always support his friend's career. In spite of that, Gibbs admitted he wants to be the top rookie back on the field Sunday.

"Yeah, of course," Gibbs said. "I'm always motivated to be the best player I can be." 

Dan Campbell explains how Detroit Lions will handle running game vs. Falcons

Lions head coach Dan Campbell said they won't worry about who carries the ball against the Falcons as much as sheer execution.

"We're going to treat it as business as usual. We're not going to let it affect us. We feel good about the backs we have. Certainly, (Jahmyr) Gibbs will get more of a role. We're going to do what we do, and really our focus was on how we attack this opponent more than the backs we have."

All eyes will be on Gibbs and Robinson during Sunday's game, and the result may hinge on which rookie back makes more noticeable plays. It just happens that Gibbs is lined up for an increased role with David Montgomery likely out.