The Detroit Lions are entering the final stretch before the 2026 regular season with a significant question still surrounding their backfield. What initially appeared to be a settled running-back rotation has suddenly become a competition, with the team now searching for the player who can step into a larger role behind star running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
The situation changed dramatically after veteran running back Isiah Pacheco was placed on injured reserve with a back injury. The move guarantees that Pacheco will miss at least the first four games of the season, leaving Detroit without the player who had been expected to occupy the RB2 role following David Montgomery’s departure.
With Pacheco unavailable, attention has quickly shifted toward Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki, two players who could see significantly more opportunities. Detroit’s current depth chart lists Vaki behind Gibbs, with Saylors also positioned to contribute, while the coaching staff evaluates how the workload should be divided.
Saylors has emerged as an especially interesting candidate after an impressive preseason. The 25-year-old running back has earned the trust of Detroit’s coaching staff and has demonstrated the ability to contribute both as a runner and special-teams player. His preseason performances have also helped strengthen his case for a bigger offensive role.
Vaki, meanwhile, brings a different skill set to the competition. The versatile back has spent significant time working with the offense and was reportedly receiving RB2 opportunities during training camp. His physical style, short-yardage ability and pass-protection skills could make him particularly valuable in situations where Detroit needs more than simply a change-of-pace runner.
The debate has already reached the fan base. A recent SB Nation Reacts survey showed that more than 90 percent of respondents favored either Saylors or Vaki to take the majority of Pacheco’s snaps, with Saylors receiving the larger share of support. That reaction highlights just how closely supporters are watching the competition ahead of Week 1.
There is also a possibility that Gibbs himself could see an increased workload. Detroit’s explosive starter is already expected to be the centerpiece of the running game, and Pacheco’s absence could mean additional carries and offensive responsibilities for one of the league’s most dynamic young backs.
The Lions have also explored outside options since Pacheco’s injury, including working out veteran running backs, showing that the organization is not necessarily committed to solving the problem entirely with its current group. However, no immediate addition has been made, leaving Saylors and Vaki as the leading internal candidates.
With Detroit’s season opener against the New Orleans Saints approaching, the RB2 battle has quickly become one of the most intriguing position battles on the roster. Whether Saylors, Vaki or a combination of both ultimately fills the void, their performances could play an important role in determining how effectively the Lions navigate Pacheco’s absence during the opening weeks of the season.
