Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell just dropped the word every football fan hates: “committee.” After what everyone thought was a clear path for Jacob Saylors to be the number two running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Campbell pulled a fast one on Monday, saying the team is going with a rotation instead. Seriously, you thought you had a handle on the backfield depth chart, and then Campbell goes and throws a total wrench into the whole thing.
The Committee Rises and Pacheco’s Exit Opens the Door (Then Slams It Shut)
It all started when Isiah Pacheco got placed on injured reserve with an MCL sprain, which cleared the way for Saylors to step up. Everyone was ready to pencil him in as the undisputed RB2. But then Campbell, talking to reporters, pulled out the “committee” word that makes fantasy owners groan. Who else is in this dreaded committee, you ask? None other than the 2024 fourth-round pick, Sione Vaki. Campbell was blunt, saying, “It’s about committee, too. I see Vaki getting some reps, too, now. I don’t see, ‘Okay, Saylors is like running back two.’”
Campbell highlighted Saylors’ special teams value and that they’ve seen more of him in preseason games. But don’t sleep on Vaki! “Vaki’s banked some pretty good reps in practice, and we know Vaki’s a very valuable special teams player, too,” Campbell added. He also made it clear the team feels Vaki is “ready to take some of this on, too, as a runner and as a pass protector and a receiver.” So, when Gibbs needs a breather, they feel good about either one of these guys stepping in.
Saylors’ UFL Dominance vs. Vaki’s Safety Switch
Let’s look at the stats. Saylors actually has the experience advantage here. He only has two career NFL touches, both for the Lions in 16 games last season. But the guy absolutely torched the UFL, leading the league with 461 rushing yards in 2024 and coming in second with 499 rushing yards in 2025. He was voted to the All-UFL Team both seasons! That’s serious production.
Vaki, on the other hand, converted from safety to running back when he entered the NFL. He’s got 10 touches over two seasons, with most of his contributions coming on special teams. So, while Saylors has proven he can be a workhorse, the Lions clearly have a desire to get some return on investment from Vaki. It’s a classic situation: proven production versus raw, versatile potential.
So, even with all this talk, Saylors still feels like the frontrunner for the majority of the work Gibbs doesn’t take. But don’t underestimate the Lions’ desire to finally cash in on Vaki. This backfield battle is definitely one to watch as the season unfolds, especially with that committee approach now officially on the table.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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