Detroit Lions’ Backfield Faces Challenge with Pacheco’s Injury

The Detroit Lions will face a challenge in their backfield as they begin their season against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. This change comes after the team traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans earlier in the offseason. In return, they received a 2026 fourth-round pick, a 2027 seventh-round pick, and center Juice Scruggs.

In March, the Lions added Isiah Pacheco to their roster with a one-year, $1.81 million contract. He was expected to complement star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. However, the Lions placed Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Pacheco will miss at least the first four games of the regular season due to this injury.

Lions placed RB Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve due to a back injury that now will sideline him for at least four games,” Schefter posted on X.

Pacheco, during his initial four years in the league, made 576 rushing attempts for a total of 2,537 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell expressed confidence in Jacob Saylors stepping up if Pacheco misses games this season. Campbell suggested that Saylors’ familiarity with the team’s system is a crucial factor. Saylors, who joined the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023, spent the previous season with the Lions, appearing in 16 games and making two rushing attempts for 11 yards.

In addition to Gibbs and Saylors, the Lions have running backs Sione Vaki and Jabari Small on their roster. The team may consider external options to strengthen their backfield ahead of their upcoming games.