Lions RB Jacob Saylors aims to seize opportunity with Gibbs, Vaki out

Allen Park — The surrounding circumstances aren't anything he'd ever root for, but the door is open for Jacob Saylors, and the Detroit Lions are looking for him to capitalize.

Saylors, previously repping behind running backs Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki at training camp, received a de facto promotion following Vaki's early exit from Monday's practice , a result of a freak accident that left the third-year pro with a broken nose and poked eye .

Vaki will "be out for a little bit here," Campbell said Tuesday, and as Jahmyr Gibbs put it himself, "only time will tell" when Detroit's superstar running back will end his hold-in for a contract extension and return to the field.

More: Dan Campbell hopes Bijan Robinson deal hastens Jahmyr Gibbs extension

In the interim, expect the offense to put more on others like Jabari Small and Saylors, the latter of whom was signed by the Lions last July and ultimately stuck around in a role based predominantly in special teams. Saylors made 16 appearances and returned 33 kickoffs for 897 yards in 2025.

"He got a full year with us. He's banked a lot of reps, particularly on special teams," Campbell said of Saylors on Tuesday. "But he's been in that room. I mean, he's been in there with (running backs coach Tashard) Choice and Gibbs and (David) Montgomery, and now this year with (Pacheco).

"But he knows the system. He's a smart guy, he's conscientious. That's always going to help when you come into camp. You're like, 'All right, man, now I know why we're doing what we're doing, what we're asked to do, the calls, all of that.' He looks much more comfortable. He's got ability. I mean, you see it. ... It's a great opportunity for him. This is a great opportunity."

Saylors played five seasons at East Tennessee State (2018-22) before signing with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He's previously made stops with the Atlanta Falcons (2023), New York Giants (2024) and Cleveland Browns (2024) but had never appeared in a game until his tenure with the Lions.

Before coming to Detroit, Saylors played in nine games for the United Football League's St. Louis Battlehawks during the 2025 season, recording 744 yards from scrimmage and five total touchdowns. He led the UFL in rushing yards per game, at 55.4.

Saylors flashed some of his play-making abilities during Monday's practice, the first padded session of Detroit's training camp. He popped for an explosive run of about 35 yards during 11-on-11s, and he took a screen pass nearly to the house, hustling down the sideline for a gain of around 60 yards before being shoved out of bounds near the goal line.

"I think I've been playing well," Saylors said. "But definitely a lot more room to improve each day."

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This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Lions RB Jacob Saylors aims to seize opportunity with Gibbs, Vaki out

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