Jahmyr Gibbs is back, Jameson Williams is making big plays, and Scottie Montgomery is high on Drew Petzing. Here’s everything to know from another busy week of Lions training camp.
Lions Training Camp Notebook: Montgomery Praises Petzing, Gibbs Returns and Williams Makes Plays
The second week of Detroit Lions training camp is nearly in the books, with one more practice Sunday to officially wrap up the week.
There has been plenty of news surrounding the team since the last training camp update, including Jahmyr Gibbs’ new contract, his return to practice and several notable performances on the field.
Lions wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery spoke with the media and offered insight into several of the team’s biggest storylines.
Montgomery was asked about his first impressions of working with offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and praised Petzing’s communication skills and collaborative approach.
“None of us are as smart as all of us,” Montgomery said.
The comments offered a glimpse into the relationship between Montgomery and Petzing, who appear to have worked well together throughout training camp. Montgomery is entering his role as the Lions’ wide receivers coach, while Petzing is in his first season as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.
Montgomery also had plenty of praise for Gibbs following the running back’s three-year, $67.5 million contract extension, which can be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed.
Montgomery compared Gibbs’ situation to the movie “Friday,” referencing the character Uncle Elroy, who wins the lottery without working for it.
“His brother Willy was upset … Jah’s the exact opposite of Uncle Elroy,” Montgomery said. “The right brother won, and did things the right way, and is getting rewarded for it.”
Gibbs acknowledged that the contract situation had been stressful and that he simply wanted to get back on the field and play football.
Gibbs has returned to practice, but the Lions are still limiting him and keeping him out of team drills for now. That is not particularly surprising as he works his way back into football activities.
Montgomery also discussed Jameson Williams, saying the Lions have been working with the wide receiver on body positioning and using his frame to lean into contact. The goal is to help Williams make difficult catches through contact while potentially drawing more defensive pass interference penalties.
Williams has been one of the standout players throughout camp.
During one practice, Williams hauled in touchdowns of 87 and 94 yards on back-to-back plays. Neither play ultimately counted. The first was negated by an obvious offensive pass interference penalty on Williams, while the second likely would have been erased by an Aidan Hutchinson sack that could have resulted in a safety.
Even though the plays did not count, Williams’ continued connection with quarterback Jared Goff has been encouraging for the Lions.
“It’s really, really gritty out there right now,” Montgomery said of the atmosphere at camp.
Detroit also added veteran defensive tackle Ben Stille on a one-year contract. Stille has played 338 defensive snaps from 2022-24 with the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has experience lining up at both nose tackle and defensive end and previously worked with Lions defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers.
The Lions also worked out defensive backs Ryan Cooper and Anthony Kendall, along with defensive tackle Folorunso Fatukasi.
Detroit waived injured cornerback De’Shawn Rucker, an undrafted rookie who suffered an injury during camp.
Another encouraging development has been the play of cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. The former second-round pick appears healthier and more confident, matching up well with Williams and breaking up a deep pass during practice.
With one practice remaining Sunday, the Lions will look to close the second week of camp on a strong note.
