Lions Have Another Solid Running Back Option After Preseason Opener

0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Jacob Saylors gave the Detroit Lions another reason to give him some look when it comes to their running back depth in the preseason opener.

In a game where the Lions didn't generate much offensively, Saylors was the clear bright spot. He finished the 16-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals with 55 rushing yards on just eight carries, adding another 28 yards on three receptions. That's a productive night, especially considering how limited the Lions' offense was overall.

Saylors has also been making the most of his chances throughout training camp. Those chances have increased because of injuries and other circumstances in the backfield, including Sione Vaki dealing with a broken nose, Isiah Pacheco's knee injury and Jahmyr Gibbs' hold-in to open camp.

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Now, Saylors has given the Lions something else to think about. The running back room already has competition, but Saylors' versatility could help him stay in the conversation when Detroit gets closer to making its final roster decisions. His experience on special teams is also useful. Oh, and he was the team's primary kickoff returner in 2025.

That means something, because even if Vaki doesn't receive many chances as a running back, his value on special teams could still earn him a spot. That potentially leaves room for another back to make the roster, and Saylors is making a good argument for himself.

The preseason opener certainly helped. Saylors didn't just get touches because the Lions needed someone to fill the role. He made something happen with them. His 55 rushing yards led the team's offense, and he added another 28 through the air.

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There's still time for the running back competition to play out, and one preseason game isn't going to determine Saylors' future. Still, he's doing exactly what a player fighting for a roster spot needs to do. He's taking the chances in front of him and making them count.

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