By Moses Joshua 
Crowded Backfield and Special Teams Value Could Leave Power Runner on the Outside Looking In
A Numbers Game in the Motor City Backfield
The Detroit Lions boasted one of the NFL’s most lethal rushing duos in 2024, with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery forming a thunder-and-lightning pairing that punished defenses all season. Yet as the Lions prepare to trim their roster heading into training camp, one high-performing rookie could find himself without a place on the final 53.
Kye Robichaux, a powerful undrafted running back out of Boston College, turned heads last season after punching in 10 touchdowns and racking up 744 rushing yards. But even that impressive résumé may not be enough to secure him a roster spot in Detroit’s deeply competitive backfield.
From College Workhorse to Fringe NFL Candidate
Robichaux, who began his college career at Western Kentucky before transferring to Boston College, became known for his physical, downhill style. At 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds, he carved out a role as a short-yardage specialist, particularly in goal-line situations. SI.com’s Emmett Matasovsky described him as a back who “packs a punch for his size” and “was an excellent short-yardage option.”
Six of Robichaux’s 10 touchdowns last year came from inside the five-yard line — a skill that could have been his ticket onto an NFL roster. But Detroit’s evolving offensive philosophy and emphasis on versatility may leave little room for a power-only back.
Backfield Battle Leaves Little Room for Error
Vito Chirco of SI.com recently projected the final Lions running back depth chart and Robichaux didn’t make the cut. Instead, Chirco sees the team keeping Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and returning role players Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki — both of whom are not only trusted by the coaching staff, but also major contributors on special teams.
“Vaki, a fourth-round pick of the Lions a year ago, suited up for 16 games as a rookie,” Chirco noted. “He also added eight tackles and a forced fumble on 310 special teams snaps.” That kind of multifaceted value may outweigh Robichaux’s goal-line production.
As for Reynolds, his longevity and consistency within the system give him a leg up. With 48 games played since 2021 and proven ability in both the rushing and passing game, he remains a coaching favorite.
That leaves only one potential slot for the final backfield position, and Chirco predicts it will go to another undrafted rookie — Anthony Tyus III — citing his higher standing on the depth chart at this point in the offseason.
Practice Squad Hope, or Preseason Proving Ground?
While Robichaux may not be part of the initial 53-man roster, he’s still a strong candidate for the practice squad — especially if he continues to flash in preseason action. His ability to generate power in short-yardage and goal-line situations could also earn him a midseason call-up if injuries strike.
Still, for a player who scored 10 touchdowns in a major college conference, the prospect of being cut before Week 1 is a reminder of just how deep Detroit’s roster has become. The Lions may be building one of the NFL’s most complete teams — but that comes at a cost for fringe talents trying to break through.
Final Thought
Robichaux’s fight for a roster spot is far from over, but it’s clear he’ll need more than college stats to stick in Detroit. Special teams impact, positional flexibility, and schematic fit are all factors the Lions are weighing. And in that equation, even a double-digit touchdown season might not be enough.