The Detroit Lions will face a significant challenge in their backfield when they kick off the season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. The team traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans earlier this year, receiving a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and center Juice Scruggs in return.
In an effort to strengthen their lineup, the Lions signed running back Isiah Pacheco to a one-year, $1.81 million contract in March. He was expected to support star running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Unfortunately, Pacheco has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, this will cause him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. “Lions placed RB Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury that now will sideline him for at least four games,” Schefter reported.
Throughout his initial four years in the league, Pacheco has carried the ball 576 times, amassed 2,537 yards, and scored 14 touchdowns.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Jacob Saylors stepping up during Pacheco’s absence. Campbell noted his comfort with Saylors’ familiarity with the team. “I’m comfortable with those guys. And I just like the thought of having a guy in our system… Knows our terminology, knows our guys, knows the protections,” Campbell shared.
Saylors joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He played with the Lions throughout the 2025 season, participating in 16 games and making two rushing attempts for 11 yards.
Alongside Gibbs and Saylors, the Lions’ 53-man roster includes running backs Sione Vaki and Jabari Small. For further details on the Lions and NFL updates, visit Newsweek Sports.
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