The Detroit Lions will have a top-heavy running back room this season, but there is some drama at the bottom of the depth chart through the second week of training camp.
The Lions ended weeks of speculation by making Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in the league, solidifying his place as the team’s bellcow running back. The team did away with the running-back-by-committee approach in the offseason, shipping away David Montgomery and giving Gibbs no real competition for the top spot.
But the Lions are still looking for contributions from their other running backs, with one versatile back potentially falling below the cut line at training camp.
Sione Vaki’s Unlucky Training Camp Run
SI.com reporter John Maakaron compiled his list of winners and losers after the second week of the team’s camp, giving a dire prediction for veteran back Sione Vaki. He sustained a broken nose when a defender’s hand slipped into his facemask, also leaving him with a poked eye.
Maakaron noted that while it may not be his fault, Vaki is suffering as a result of the injury.
“Another fluke injury will sideline the young running back for the foreseeable future. Vaki cannot seem to sustain any positive momentum on the field without then becoming injured and missing time,” Maakaron reported. “Vaki’s stock is falling and falling quick, given how reliable Jacob Saylors has prove to be, especially in his special teams role.”
Vaki has not seen much work on offense through the last two seasons with the Lions, with just one carry for four yards and no pass targets in 2025. But he plays an important role on special teams, logging 60% of the team’s total snaps.
Lions Add More Running Back Competition
Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to earn the No. 2 spot behind Gibbs, leaving Vaki and Jacob Saylors competing for the third and likely final spot on the depth chart.
The Lions may have delivered a bad sign to Vaki this week, adding veteran Raheem Blackshear on Tuesday after trying out four running backs. The team waived wide receiver Lawrence Keys with an injury designation to make room for Blackshear, with the 28-year-old now getting the opportunities that Vaki is missing.
Blackshear played three seasons for the Carolina Panthers, rushing 52 times for 203 yards with three touchdowns. He did not play in 2025 as he bounced around between practice squads for three different teams.
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