By Moses Joshua 
Jacob Saylors joins roster as injuries shake up Detroit’s depth at running back
A Timely Addition for a Shifting Backfield
The Detroit Lions are turning to proven production in the United Football League as they look to reinforce their backfield during training camp. On Tuesday, the team announced the signing of running back Jacob Saylors, a dynamic playmaker and two-time All-UFL honoree, to their 90-man roster.
The move comes in response to the injury of reserve running back Kye Robichaux, who went down during Monday’s practice and was notably absent the following day. With other backs like Sione Vaki also nursing injuries, Detroit saw an immediate need for fresh legs and versatility in the backfield — and Saylors fits the bill.
Back-to-Back UFL Honors and NFL Ambitions
Saylors joins the Lions after two highly productive seasons with the St. Louis Battlehawks, where he established himself as one of the UFL’s most consistent offensive threats. In 2025, he led the league in rushing yards per game, posting 522 yards on 113 carries (4.4 YPC) and scoring five rushing touchdowns over just nine games. Add in 22 receptions for 245 receiving yards, and his all-purpose value becomes clear.
His 2024 campaign was similarly impressive, tallying 473 rushing yards, five touchdowns on the ground, and an additional 153 receiving yards with three receiving scores. That versatility earned him All-UFL recognition in back-to-back seasons.
Though Saylors had short stints with the Giants and Browns in between UFL seasons, he never made it onto an NFL regular-season roster. Now in Detroit, he gets another chance to prove he belongs on the game’s biggest stage.
What Saylors Brings to the Lions
At 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds, Saylors isn’t the most physically imposing back, but he makes up for it with sharp vision, fluid lateral movement, and the ability to contribute in the passing game. He has the kind of skill set that fits nicely into Detroit’s offense — especially one that values versatility out of the backfield.
With the Lions’ top running backs Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Craig Reynolds locked into roles, and Vaki still recovering, Saylors has a window to compete for a practice squad slot or more. That audition could begin as early as Thursday night, when the Lions face the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason opener.
A Fresh Opportunity
The path ahead won’t be easy, but Jacob Saylors arrives in Detroit with momentum and a resume full of production. With a month of camp and preseason play ahead, the Lions will be watching closely to see if this two-time All-UFL standout can carve out a place in a crowded, but currently vulnerable, backfield.
If his UFL performances are any indication, Saylors might just be ready to make the most of this NFL opportunity.