The Detroit Lions have been running the National Football League for the 2024 season behind the tailback duo of David Montgomery (Knuckles) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Sonic).
However, Knuckles has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
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He suffered a knee injury in the Lions' loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday (Dec. 15), which will require surgery to repair his torn MCL.
#DetroitLions running back #DavidMontgomery shares a heartfelt message to his Instagram stories. #JahmyrGibbs #SonicandKnuckles pic.twitter.com/760kXRXBCY
— Brandon L. Carr (@Carrpediem21) December 17, 2024
Like the retro Sega Genesis game, Knuckles has lost his coins, but as the franchise’s main character, Sonic is the perfect candidate to step in and lead the league’s top-five ranked rushing attack.
The name Sonic brings on a lot of eyes, especially when wearing the specialty blue with the speed racer red shoes.
Gibbs has accumulated over 1,000 rushing on the season (1,047) with 11 house calls.
Through 14 games, the sophomore back has averaged 5.6 yards per carry, which is fourth in the NFL behind MVP candidates Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (6.4), Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (5.9), and Ravens tailback Derrick Henry (5.8).
But Knuckles' presence will be missed.
“I haven’t talked to him today,” said Gibbs on The Rich Eisen Show. “I talked to him yesterday, though. He was good, and he wished me the best, as it was a big loss for me and the team. I’ll most definitely be playing for him and the rest of the guys.”
Montgomery finished the season with 775 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per carry and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 36 passes for 341 yards.
However, the relationship between the characters will be missed personally.
“That’s my brother,” Gibbs said. “I don’t know how to explain it, but as soon as I walked into the building, it was all love. He’s done nothing but help me. It’s funny because we have the same personality. It’s like I’m talking to myself half the time as he’s funny.”
Try and keep up! pic.twitter.com/6gTLWK1PNS
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 28, 2024
The Lions are in good hands as Gibbs became the only player in franchise history to have over 70 yards from scrimmage in all 14 games while recording at least 100 yards from scrimmage in eight games this season.
He finished Sunday’s loss to the Bills with 114 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns.
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But this isn’t the first time that Gibbs will step in as the featured runner, as he filled in for three games during the 2023 season.
His first time as the lone starter came in week three vs. the Atlanta Falcons, toting the rock 17 times for 80 yards in a 20-6 victory.
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His time as the leading man came during their week seven matchup against the Ravens, where he accumulated 68 yards on 11 carries and one rushing touchdown.
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And his last was in week eight when he went off for 152 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown. In single-player mode, Sonic added five receptions for 37 yards.
The speedster accumulated 54 carries for 300 yards with two rushing touchdowns while adding 15 receptions for 97 yards without Knuckles.
Look for the 12-2 Lions to debut its solo backfield on Sunday when they take on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.
