By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions’ training camp just hit another bump in the road. During Thursday’s joint practice with the Houston Texans, second-year running back Sione Vaki left the field with an undisclosed injury, according to team reporter Tim Twentyman.
While preseason camp is all about ironing out plays and building chemistry, injuries like this tend to cast a shadow over the excitement.
A Promising Start Interrupted
Vaki came into this season with plenty of momentum. After carving out a role as a special teams contributor in his rookie year, he was expected to see more opportunities in 2025. Coaches and fans alike had been eager to see how his versatility could boost Detroit’s offense.
Unfortunately, his exit came on the very same day that starting center Graham Glasgow was also forced out of practice with an injury. Two injuries in one day are enough to make any fan nervous about the Lions’ depth heading into the new season.
What We Know (and Don’t Know)
At this point, details on Vaki’s condition haven’t been released. That leaves the door open to both cautious optimism and anxious speculation. Is it a minor tweak that just needs rest? Or something that could sideline him longer? For now, the Lions are hoping it’s the former.
Why This Matters for Detroit
Losing a player like Vaki, even temporarily, would sting. He may not be the team’s top offensive weapon yet, but his adaptability makes him a valuable piece in the Lions’ rotation. With depth already being tested this offseason, the coaching staff will have to carefully manage reps to avoid overloading other players.
Looking Ahead
As preseason preparations continue, all eyes will be on Vaki’s recovery timeline. The Lions are counting on his energy and playmaking ability, and fans are crossing their fingers that this injury turns out to be nothing more than a minor setback.
Because in a season where expectations are sky-high, Detroit can’t afford to lose promising young talent before the first kickoff.