Deon

Jackson

Jackson, 26, was signed in August and didn’t stand much of a chance to make the opening roster. The Lions also waived DT Myles Adams and DE Nate Lynn ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.

The Lions also signed OG Gunner Britton, OG Keaton Sutherland, TE Gunnar Oakes, and correspondingly placed OT Justin Herron, OL Colby Sorsdal and TE Kenny Yeboah on season-ending injured reserve.

The Jets add Jackson to a backfield group that looks murky behind workhorse Breece Hall. Rookie Braelon Allen looks to be the favorite for the RB2 job while fellow rookie Isaiah Davis and 2023 fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda join him. Jackson will be preseason depth after spending last season with the Colts, Browns, and Giants. The 25-year-old UDFA had a few good games in 2022 with the Colts, but was not able to stay relevant in Indy’s backfield. Most recently playing in a game for the Giants, Jackson will need to flash potential in the preseason to stay on the Jets roster or for another team to find value in picking him up.

Jackson split last season between the Browns and Giants. He totaled just 30 scoreless yards from scrimmage on 19 touches and hasn’t amassed more than 98 touches in a season since being signed as a UDFA by the Colts in 2021. If he were to sign with the Texans, Jackson would likely need to show flashes on special teams to secure his spot on the roster.

The rookie Gray was primarily used as a returner, getting 14 offensive touches this season, 13 coming in Week 5. He now heads to injured reserve along with OT Matt Peart. RB Jashaun Corbin was signed from the Panthers’ practice squad and RB Deon Jackson was claimed off waivers from the Browns to add depth to the Giants’ backfield.

Considering the team is out of elevations for the veteran back, this could hint at an absence from Kareem Hunt in Week 7, who is currently listed as questionable. That would likely place additional opportunities on the shoulders (and legs) of lead back Jerome Ford against the Colts. Stay tuned.

Jackson, who started Week 1 for the Colts, lands in Cleveland to provide depth at running back. In his Week 1 start he didn’t fare well rushing 13 times for 14 yards and losing two fumbles. The Browns also signed TE Devin Asiasi to the practice squad

Jackson started Week 1 for the Colts before being held without a carry or offensive snap in Zack Moss’ return last week. The Colts will promote RB Trey Sermon to replace Jackson on the roster. 24-year-old Jackson should resurface on a practice squad if he’s not back with the Colts.

The journeyman running back last played for the Eagles in the preseason. He had 30 rushes for 105 yards and three scores in three preseason contests for Philadelphia. Sermon could be bumped to the Colts’ active roster to play behind Zack Moss until Jonathan Taylor (ankle, PUP) is ready to return.

No bell cow has ever bell cowed more than Moss did in Sunday’s Week 2 win. Moss played all but one of the Colts’ offensive snaps on Sunday while seeing 22 opportunities on the day. His 117 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown were good for one of the better fantasy days of any running back in the league, and should put him in the conversation as a high-end streaming option for Week 3 against the Ravens. Backup Deon Jackson, who was active for the game, was a literal non-factor after seeing 19 opportunities in Week 1.