Dan Campbell plans committee approach for Lions backup running backs
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 1:20 AM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the team will utilize a running-back-by-committee approach for reserve roles behind starter Jahmyr Gibbs. Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors are designated to share duties when Gibbs requires rest. Campbell noted that both players provide value on special teams while demonstrating readiness to handle rushing, pass protection, and receiving responsibilities. The depth at the position became a focal point for the Lions following the trade of David Montgomery to the Houston Texans. Although the organization anticipates an increased workload for Gibbs, the team intends to integrate both Vaki and Saylors into the offense to manage his snaps throughout the season.
- •Dan Campbell plans to use Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors as a backup committee.
- •Jahmyr Gibbs remains the primary starting running back for the Lions.
- •The team moved David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.
- •Both Vaki and Saylors will continue to contribute on special teams.
- 1:20 AMYahoo Sports — Dan Campbell Reveals Lions’ Plan Behind Jahmyr Gibbs
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Dan Campbell says Lions' backup running backs will be a two-man committee
"Dan Campbell says the Lions will use Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors as a committee behind Jahmyr Gibbs rather than declaring a traditional RB2. The approach could help Detroit expand Gibbs’ role without asking him to absorb every available backfield…
"The Lions have the highest-paid running back in the NFL, Jahmyr Gibbs, as their starter.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 8, 2026, 1:20 AMDan Campbell Reveals Lions’ Plan Behind Jahmyr Gibbs
Dan Campbell says the Lions will use Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors as a committee behind Jahmyr Gibbs rather than declaring a traditional RB2. The approach could help Detroit expand Gibbs’ role without asking him to absorb every available backfield…
- Yahoo SportsSep 7, 2026, 5:00 PMDan Campbell says Lions' backup running backs will be a two-man committee
The Lions have the highest-paid running back in the NFL, Jahmyr Gibbs, as their starter.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 4:46 AMJerry Jones: Troy Aikman working for Cowboys in future is "very possible"
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 4:00 AMNFL insider compares Brian Flores’ defense to ‘riding a roller coaster’
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 3:50 AMPackers’ Josh Jacobs doesn’t care about fans booing him in controversial return from exempt list
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 1:37 AMFrom emergency center to potential starter, Packers' John Williams is ready to go
NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 1:29 AMPackers Linked to Trade for All-Pro LB Amid Zaire Franklin Injury- NFL•Oct 28, 2026, 1:29 AMCould the Colts have gotten more for DeForest Buckner? NFL trade grades
