By Blessing 
Lions’ Rookie Standout at Risk of Missing Roster as Former Starter Joins NFC North Rival
In a surprising twist this offseason, a former Detroit Lions starter is heading to a division rival, setting the stage for a tense reunion in the NFC North.
The Lions, meanwhile, remain in a strong position when it comes to their running game. Last season, their ground attack thrived thanks to the dynamic duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who gave opposing defenses headaches all year long. With those two locked in as the top options, the real battle this summer is shaping up around the fringe of the running back depth chart — and even a talented rookie might not be safe.
According to Vito Chirco of SI.com, the final spot in the Lions’ backfield could come down to a battle between two undrafted rookies. It’s a reminder of just how competitive NFL roster spots can be, even for players with solid résumés.
Tight Battle for the Final RB Spot
Chirco projects that the Lions will stick with Gibbs and Montgomery at the top, and also keep Sione Vaki and Craig Reynolds, both of whom made strong impressions last season.
“Vaki, a fourth-round pick of the Lions a year ago, suited up for 16 games as a rookie,” Chirco wrote. “He contributed 14 rushing yards and 37 reception yards on six carries and three catches, respectively. He also added eight tackles and a forced fumble on 310 special teams snaps.”
Though those offensive numbers might not leap off the page, Vaki’s real value came on special teams — a crucial piece of the puzzle for depth players trying to earn their spot.
Reynolds also brings versatility and reliability, having appeared in 48 games since 2021 and contributing in both the run and pass game. His consistency and work ethic have reportedly made him a favorite among the coaching staff. Like Vaki, Reynolds’ regular presence on special teams gives him a slight edge in this heated competition.
That leaves Anthony Tyus III and Kye Robichaux battling it out for what may be the final backfield roster spot. While both are undrafted, they’ve shown enough potential to warrant a close look.
Chirco currently sees Tyus holding the advantage.
“As for Robichaux, he spent his first two seasons at Western Kentucky followed by his final two at Boston College. In his final campaign with the Eagles, he recorded 744 yards and 10 touchdowns on 175 carries,” Chirco noted. “At this present juncture, I believe that Tyus is ahead of Robichaux on the team’s RB depth chart.”
While Robichaux may not crack the 53-man roster, he could still earn a spot on the practice squad — especially if he continues to showcase the skills that made him effective in college.
Robichaux Brings Power and Grit
Despite being behind on the depth chart, Kye Robichaux isn’t out of the race yet. In fact, his physical style of play may fill a gap the Lions are looking to address.
As Emmett Matasovsky of SI.com pointed out, the 5-foot-11, 209-pound back “packs a punch for his size” and relished contact during his college years. That toughness could be a valuable asset in goal-line situations.
“This segways into his next strength, his ability to finish at the goal line,” Matasovsky wrote. “Robichaux scored six of his seven touchdowns in 2023 from inside the five-yard line. Robichaux was an excellent short yardage option, and that was his role with the Eagles in both of his seasons.”
There might be even more opportunity for a player like Robichaux, considering the Lions have drifted away from carrying a traditional fullback. Instead, they’ve opted for more flexible formations, using players like linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez or flexing tight ends into the backfield. The last time they kept a fullback was in 2023 with Jason Cabinda.
With preseason just around the corner, the battle for that last running back spot is one to watch — and it’s far from over.