Depth at any position on an NFL roster is never a bad thing, but it is particularly good when it comes to the running back spot given the rigors of that role. The Detroit Lions more than most know why that is the case.
The last few years, the Lions have had to scramble at multiple positions given a rash of injuries. They have been fairly lucky at running back with Jahmyr Gibbs' durability as well as David Montgomery, who was always available.
Given that, a name like Jacob Saylors can get lost in the shuffle. Once a leading rusher in the UFL, Saylors impressed when given a chance by Detroit in the preseason. He rushed for 112 yards and was Detroit's leading rusher in three out of the four games they played. He also contributed 52 receiving yards out of the backfield.
Dan Campbell sees that comfort manifesting itself already this season, and is happy about what Saylors has been able to do given his familiarity with his responsibilities in Detroit.
"He's been in our system. He's banked a lot of reps, particularly on special teams, but he's been in that room. He's been in there with (Tashard) Choice and and (Jahmyr) Gibbs and (David) Montgomery and this year with Isaiah (Pacheco). But he knows the system, and he's a smart guy. He's conscientious, and that's always going to help when you come into camp. and you're like, "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, and he's got ability. You see it. It's a great opportunity for him."
Ever since Craig Reynolds won a job out of camp in 2021, the Lions have shown a willingness to use a third running back. Reynolds was pressed into duty multiple times in the regular season due to injury and stepped up whenever his number was called. He even scored a critical touchdown in the 2023 playoffs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To this end, Saylors isn't a throwaway for the Lions. He can earn a spot with solid play on special teams as well, and could prove to be a vital player for Detroit to have at their disposal.
Expect to see Saylors get heavy run during Lions' preseason games
Even with Gibbs back in the fold. don't expect to see Detroit's veteran back getting action in the preseason. Pacheco isn't likely to see much run either, given the importance of him to the roster in 2026 as the primary backup.
With this in mind, count on a heavy dose of Saylors this preseason again. He's likely to be the first back to get his number called thanks to the hard work he has been putting in and an untimely injury to Sione Vaki. Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has been impressed with what Saylors and all the running backs have shown during camp.
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"One of the things that's most impressive is what they do without the ball in their hand in pass protection, which is something we ask them to do on third down (and) in the play action game. I think that's the part of the job you really find out about running backs. What is their willingness for contact? Where is their intelligence at? Where are their eyes at? How disciplined are they outside the building and studying, knowing the little details of what we're asking them to do?"
"For a lot of guys, when you're not the bell-cow back, that's your No. 1 role. If you can dedicate yourself to that, I think you earn a lot of respect from your coaches and a lot of respect from your teammates. I think we have a number of guys in that room doing that at a high level."
It's clear Saylors has already earned tons of that respect. It's exactly the type of work a third running back should be doing, which is why Saylors is making his case to stick on the roster once again.
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