The Detroit Lions announced Tuesday that running back Isiah Pacheco has been placed on injured reserve due to a back injury. The move means Pacheco will miss a minimum of four weeks, leaving the team without its top backup for the start of the season.
Injury timeline and roster impact
Pacheco, 27, entered his first summer in Detroit already dealing with a sprained MCL suffered in early August. Head coach Dan Campbell had expressed confidence that the former Kansas City Chiefs starter would be ready for the September 13 season opener against the New Orleans Saints. While rehabilitating the knee, the back problem resurfaced, prompting the Lions to make the precautionary IR move.
With Pacheco unavailable, the Lions turned to Jacob Saylors, a 25‑year‑old undrafted free agent who signed with Detroit in 2023 after playing at East Tennessee State. Saylors logged two rushing attempts for the Lions in 2025 and is now slated to back up rookie star Jahmyr Gibbs for the first four games.
Coach Campbell’s confidence in Saylors
Campbell told the Detroit Free Press that he values having a player who already knows the team’s playbook and culture. “I just like the thought of having a guy in our system, think that’s important,” Campbell said. “He knows our terminology, knows our guys, knows the protections. Just kind of knows it all, man. Understands our quarterback and how he thinks. I just think that’s important.”
Pacheco’s background and contributions
Pacheco was acquired by Detroit in March after the Lions traded former lead back David Montgomery to Houston. He signed a one‑year, $1.81 million contract and brings two Super Bowl rings from his time with the Chiefs. Last season in Kansas City, he rushed for 462 yards and a touchdown while catching 19 passes for 101 yards and a score in 13 games (12 starts). Over his career, Pacheco has amassed 3,091 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns in 51 games, including 547 rushing yards and four touchdowns in ten postseason starts.
Looking ahead
The Lions will rely on Gibbs, who entered the league as a highly touted rookie, and Saylors to shoulder the running‑back duties while Pacheco recovers. The team’s offensive line, already praised for its physicality, will be tasked with protecting the quarterback and opening lanes for the new backfield configuration.
Detroit fans can expect the Lions to maintain a balanced attack as they open the season against the Saints, a game that will test the depth of the roster and the coaching staff’s ability to adapt to injuries early in the year.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
