A surprising roster shake-up may be on the horizon in Detroit, as a former Lions starter is heading to a division rival, returning to the NFC North.
Last year, Detroit’s ground game ranked among the league’s most productive, largely due to the dynamic tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. With those two locked in as the team’s primary backs, the Lions now face a crowded competition for the remaining roster spots.
According to Vito Chirco of Sports Illustrated, the final spot in the backfield could come down to two undrafted players with solid credentials, despite the success of a rookie running back.
Backfield Depth Making Decisions Tough
Chirco projects Detroit to retain veterans Sione Vaki and Craig Reynolds, in addition to Gibbs and Montgomery. Vaki, a mid-round draft pick in 2023, appeared in all but one game last season. He made modest offensive contributions, totaling 14 rushing yards and 37 receiving yards, but made his biggest impact on special teams with over 300 snaps, where he also forced a fumble.
Reynolds has consistently impressed Detroit’s coaching staff. Since 2021, he’s been a reliable presence across nearly 50 games, contributing in both offensive phases and special teams.
That leaves a single roster spot for rookies Anthony Tyus III and Kye Robichaux. Chirco believes Tyus currently has the edge, while Robichaux may be pushed toward the practice squad.
Robichaux, who transferred from Western Kentucky to Boston College for his final two college seasons, racked up 744 rushing yards and scored 10 touchdowns on 175 attempts in his final year. Despite his production, the depth chart could be working against him.
Robichaux Offers Physicality, Goal-Line Utility
Even if he’s on the outside looking in, Robichaux may still earn a closer look from coaches due to his physical running style. Standing 5’11” and weighing 209 pounds, he’s known for initiating contact and powering through defenders — a trait that stood out in college.
Emmett Matasovsky of SI.com highlighted Robichaux’s effectiveness in tight spaces, noting that six of his seven touchdowns last season came from inside the five-yard line. He was often relied upon for short-yardage situations, a role he embraced during both of his years at Boston College.
Detroit may also be rethinking the traditional fullback role. With the team having used hybrid players like Malcolm Rodriguez in the backfield last season — and not carrying a true fullback since Jason Cabinda — there may be an opening for a bruising runner like Robichaux to carve out a niche role.
