As the 2026 NFL season kicks off, the Detroit Lions have made a significant roster move that will shape their backfield depth for the opening month. The team announced on Tuesday that veteran running back Isiah Pacheco has been placed on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. The move comes after Pacheco struggled with a back injury throughout training camp, an issue that ultimately proved severe enough to sideline him for the early portion of the schedule.
A New Chapter in Detroit
Pacheco joined the Lions this offseason on a one-year, $1.81 million deal, brought in to provide experienced depth behind starter Jahmyr Gibbs. His signing came shortly after Detroit traded former running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, a move that signaled a shift in the team's backfield philosophy. With Pacheco now sidelined, the Lions must quickly identify a reliable backup to spell Gibbs and keep the offense rolling.
Pacheco's journey to Detroit followed a turbulent stretch in Kansas City. After being selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he burst onto the scene as a rookie, playing all 17 games and racking up 830 rushing yards with five touchdowns. The following year, he improved to 935 yards and seven scores in 14 games, looking like a future star for the Chiefs. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued him over the last two seasons, as he managed just 772 yards and two touchdowns across 20 games. Kansas City ultimately chose to move on, letting Pacheco walk in free agency and replacing him with former Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III.
Gibbs Remains the Focal Point
Despite Pacheco's absence, the Lions' offensive approach remains unchanged. Jahmyr Gibbs is the undisputed workhorse, coming off a stellar 2025 campaign in which he rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns. Over three seasons in Detroit, Gibbs has consistently proven himself as one of the league's most dynamic playmakers, and his production last year was actually a slight dip from his breakout 2024 season. The team will continue to lean heavily on him, but the question now is who steps up as his primary backup.
According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the most likely candidate to see an increased role is Jacob Saylors, who impressed during training camp and survived roster cuts. Jabari Small and Sione Vaki are also in the mix and could earn touches depending on game flow and matchups. The Lions will need one of these young backs to provide a spark when Gibbs needs a breather, especially during a challenging early-season stretch.
Early-Season Schedule and Return Timeline
Pacheco will miss Detroit's first four games against the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers. He becomes eligible to return in Week 5 when the Lions face the Arizona Cardinals, but his back injury will be closely monitored to ensure he's fully healthy before rejoining the lineup. The Lions are hopeful that Pacheco can contribute later in the season, providing a veteran presence and fresh legs down the stretch.
As the Lions navigate this early adversity, the focus remains on maximizing Gibbs' elite talent while developing a reliable backup rotation. The team's depth will be tested, but Detroit's coaching staff has confidence in their young running backs to step up. For now, all eyes are on the season opener against the Saints, where the Lions will look to start strong despite the absence of their veteran backup.
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