Jacob

Saylors

It’s hard to imagine either Vaki or Saylors having meaningful fantasy value at this point in the season, but it sounds like both will be on the field while Isiah Pacheco (back) is sidelined for at least the first four games of the season. Judging by how Campbell sounded when discussing each player, it sounded like Saylors might be closer to the official RB2, but Campbell didn’t mince words when he said, “I see Vaki getting some reps, too.” Fantasy managers interested in taking a shot on a Lions running back not named Jahmyr Gibbs can consider both Saylors and Vaki as late-round dart throws until we see how their snap shares look in the coming weeks.

Holmes didn’t offer a timetable for Pacheco’s return. The former Chief injured his knee early in camp and then suffered a back injury, which ultimately landed him on injured reserve. He will miss at least the first four games of the season while on IR, though it sounds like a Week 5 return isn’t in the cards. For now, Jacob Saylors will serve as Jahmyr Gibbs’ backup. He shouldn’t see much work as long as Gibbs is healthy, but dynasty managers may want to give him a look on the waiver wire.

It’s a familiar place for the 27-year-old running back. He’ll miss at least the first four weeks of the season. It sounds like former UFL star Jacob Saylors will enter Week 1 as the favorite for whatever portion of the carries Jahmyr Gibbs doesn’t take, not that it figures to be many.

This is probably forecasting that Pacheco will be doubtful at best for Week 1. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues can speculatively pick up Saylors, who had 17 carries for 100 yards in Detroit’s win over the Colts on Saturday. Saylors led the UFL in rushing in 2024 and finished second in the league in 2025 before signing with the Lions that offseason.

Saylors led the UFL in rushing in 2024 and earned a contract with the Giants. They waived him in the middle of camp and he was signed by Cleveland, but the Browns also cut him before the start of the season. Saylors went back to the UFL for the 2024 season and dominated once again with 499 yards and five rushing touchdowns. Both marks ranked second in the league. Saylor will look to crack the Lions’ roster as a special teamer.

Saylors in 2024 led the UFL in rushing yards (537), averaging five yards per carry and scoring five touchdowns for the Battlehawks. Saylors led the UFL in yards after contact per rush. He also caught 24 passes for 264 yards. It will be an uphill battle for Saylors to crack the Giants roster this summer. For now, Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy are expected to lead New York’s backfield.