Overview
- Isiah Pacheco is on injured reserve and will miss at least the early portion of the season, leaving the Lions short at running back.
- Coach Dan Campbell said the team will use Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki as a situational committee behind starter Jahmyr Gibbs rather than naming a single RB2.
- Jacob Saylors earned his role with strong preseason play and UFL production, finishing the exhibition slate with 187 rushing yards on 31 carries.
- Sione Vaki is a former safety who has limited NFL carries but has banked practice reps and offers special-teams value plus pass-protection and receiving traits.
- The roster lists just three running backs and has open spots, so the Lions could elevate practice-squad players or add a veteran depending on short-term needs and contract guarantee considerations.