Detroit Lions Face Backfield Challenge as Season Opens

The Detroit Lions will lack key depth in their backfield as they begin the season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. Earlier in the offseason, the Lions traded away running back David Montgomery. They sent Montgomery to the Houston Texans for a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and center Juice Scruggs.

In March, Isiah Pacheco joined the Lions by signing a one-year contract worth $1.81 million. He was meant to support star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. However, Detroit placed Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, this decision will keep Pacheco sidelined for at least four games.

“Lions placed RB Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury that now will sideline him for at least four games,” reported Schefter.

Since entering the league, Pacheco has accumulated impressive stats, rushing 576 times for 2,537 yards and achieving 14 touchdowns over four seasons. On Sunday, Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Jacob Saylors taking over if Pacheco missed games. Campbell also mentioned considering external options to strengthen the backfield.

Campbell remarked, “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. Just kind of knows it all. Understands our quarterback and how he thinks. I just think that’s important.”

Saylors joined the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent. He spent the 2025 season with the Lions, appearing in 16 games and making two rushing attempts for 11 yards. Alongside Gibbs and Saylors, the Lions have Sione Vaki and Jabari Small on their 53-man roster.