The Detroit Lions' 2026 training camp is fast approaching, and with it, the question of how their running back (RB) roles will be distributed is on the minds of fans and analysts alike. The Lions have a clear RB1 in Jahmyr Gibbs, who is expected to be a workhorse, but the RB2 role is up for grabs. The team has added depth with the signing of Isiah Pacheco, but the battle for the remaining spots is intense.
Gibbs, the RB1, is a versatile player who can run every scheme and create space in the middle. His role as the bell cow is solidified, and he is expected to be a key player in the Lions' offense. David Montgomery, who was traded to the Texans, was the previous RB1, but his departure leaves a void that Gibbs is poised to fill.
The RB2 role is currently being contested by Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors. Vaki, a talented athlete, has been hyped by the coaching staff as a player who could level up his game. He has been working towards his goal of 1,000 reps at running back and is expected to make a meaningful impact on offense. Saylors, on the other hand, is the RB4, and the battle for the remaining spot is between Jabari Small and Kye Robichaux, who is recovering from an injury.
The Lions' roster construction has been influenced by special teams rule changes and the team's preference for bigger bodies on kick returns. This has led to the decision to keep four running backs on the active and game-day rosters over the past two seasons. However, with Pacheco getting looks on kick returns and the potential for smaller, speedier players to be added to the returner pool, the need for multiple reserve running backs may be reduced.
The battle for the RB2 role is intense, and the Lions' plans for the position are still uncertain. Vaki's potential contributions on offense could be a wild card, and his athleticism and raw talent could give him an opportunity to see the field more than expected. The training camp will provide a lot of answers, and the Lions' approach to the RB roles will be a key factor in their success in the 2026 season.
