The Detroit Lions have a ton of talent all over their roster.
That includes in the running back room. Everyone knows Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, of course. But there’s more.
Sione Vaki is making a case this preseason that somehow, some way, he belongs on the field.
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Vaki was a fourth-round pick out of Utah in 2024, and he made his preseason debut this weekend. Of note, of course, is that Vaki started out as a safety for the Utes.
“Vaki exited practice early after suffering a hamstring injury July 21, which sidelined him for a period, but he returned to practice this week prior to suiting up against Miami,” writes ESPN’s Eric Woodyard. “Vaki displayed his versatility, forcing a fumble on a punt return, which the Dolphins recovered. He also gained 30 yards from five carries during the first half. Despite playing in a loaded backfield, he could expand his role due to his ability to play multiple roles, Lions coach Dan Campbell has said.”
Vaki’s main contributions will come in non-RB roles, at least while everyone is healthy. But based on Campbell’s comments and Vaki’s usage, it seems he could get carries in a pinch, too.
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As a Utah freshman, Vaki didn’t get an offensive touch.
That progressed to 42 carries for 317 yards and two touchdowns, with 11 grabs for 203 yards, in 2023 before he was drafted.
He’s the perfect do-everything player to have on the back end of a contending roster. But if it turns out Vaki isn’t just a depth piece and can be a real contributor, it’ll make the Lions that much more dangerous as they attempt to end their Super Bowl drought.
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