Detroit Lions Face Running Back Challenges Ahead of Season Opener

The Detroit Lions encounter a depth issue in their running back lineup as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. The offseason saw the Lions trading running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. In return, they received a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and center Juice Scruggs.

In March, the team signed Isiah Pacheco on a one-year contract worth $1.81 million. Pacheco was intended to support star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. However, Detroit recently placed Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury. This will keep him out for at least the first four games of the regular season.

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Pacheco’s absence is confirmed, stating, “Lions placed RB Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury that now will sideline him for at least four games.” In his four-year NFL career, Pacheco has contributed 576 carries for 2,537 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Jacob Saylors as a replacement during Pacheco’s absence. Campbell emphasized Saylors’ familiarity with the system, terminology, and team dynamics, stating to the Detroit Free Press, “I’m comfortable with those guys. And I just like the thought of having a guy in our system, think that’s important. Knows our terminology, knows our guys, knows the protections.”

Saylors entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and was with the Lions during the 2025 season. Last year, he participated in 16 games and made two rushing attempts for 11 yards. The Lions’ current roster includes running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, Sione Vaki, and Jabari Small alongside Saylors.