The Detroit Lions have signed running back Jacob Saylors, a two-time All-UFL selection, to their 90-man training camp roster. The move follows an injury to reserve back Kye Robichaux, who left Monday’s practice and did not participate on Tuesday. Saylors now steps in with a chance to get reps during training camp and could see action in the Lions’ first preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday.
Saylors had a standout season in 2025 with the St. Louis Battlehawks, leading the United Football League in rushing yards per game. Over nine games, he totaled 522 yards on 113 carries (4.4 yards per attempt) and scored five rushing touchdowns. He also contributed in the passing game, catching 22 passes for 245 yards. In 2024, also with St. Louis, he posted similar production: 473 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and added 153 receiving yards with three more scores through the air.
His back-to-back All-UFL accolades highlight his consistency and dual-threat capability. Though he had brief stints with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns between UFL seasons, he didn’t make the regular-season roster for either team.
At 5-foot-10 and 199 pounds, Saylors is considered undersized by NFL standards, but his agility, field vision, and versatility as a runner and receiver make him an intriguing addition. With Detroit’s backfield depth in flux—recent cuts like Anthony Tyus and injuries to both Robichaux and Sione Vaki—Saylors might have a genuine chance to earn a spot, potentially on the practice squad. His journey toward making the team could begin with a strong performance in this week’s preseason game.
