The matchup Detroit Lions must solve against Miami Dolphins: Ollie Gordon’s ground threat
Detroit faces linebacker absences
The Lions will be without defensive captain Jack Campbell, who has a neck injury, and linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who has a hamstring injury, for the Week 9 matchup. Their absences leave Detroit’s linebackers with a challenging task against Miami’s running game.
Veteran Derrick Barnes is expected to lead the position group. Reserves Trevor Nowaske and Malcolm Rodriguez may also take on larger roles; through seven games, they had played 26 percent and 24 percent of Detroit’s defensive snaps, respectively.
Gordon leads Miami’s ground game
After De'Von Achane suffered a torn ACL earlier this season, second-year back Ollie Gordon took over as Miami’s leading running back. He is averaging 4.5 yards per carry and has exceeded 100 rushing yards twice.
Gordon ran for 103 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries against the New York Jets in Week 7, helping Miami earn its only victory of the season. In 2026, he has totaled 408 rushing yards and four touchdowns, surpassing both figures from his 2025 rookie season.
Detroit prepares for a physical back
Lions head coach Dan Campbell described Gordon as a powerful runner who can accelerate through open lanes. Campbell said, “You give him a lane, he can hit it,” warning that the back becomes dangerous as he builds speed.
The article’s projection has Gordon finishing Sunday’s game with 18 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. It suggests the injury-depleted Detroit linebackers could have difficulty stopping him.
Key points
- Detroit will be without linebackers Jack Campbell and Jimmy Rolder against Miami.
- Ollie Gordon has 408 rushing yards and four touchdowns in 2026.
- Derrick Barnes is expected to captain the Lions’ linebackers.
- The article projects Gordon to record 76 rushing yards and a touchdown.