Pacheco Injury Reshapes Lions, College Football Rosters
Pacheco Injury Reshapes Lions, College Football Rosters
Anonymous
Key Points
1
Pacheco signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with Detroit this offseason after the Lions traded David Montgomery to Houston, intending for Pacheco to complement Jahmyr Gibbs as the lead back.
2
Pacheco’s back injury developed while he was rehabilitating a second MCL strain suffered in training camp; he had also missed several weeks the previous season with an MCL injury and had not fully returned to his pre-2024 form after breaking his leg.
3
The Lions’ reserve backs have very limited NFL experience: Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors entered the season with nine combined NFL carries and nine combined offensive snaps in the previous season.
4
Vaki played 22 offensive snaps in Week 1 but struggled in pass protection, including a play on which he collided with tackle Penei Sewell and contributed to Jared Goff being hit by Saints defensive end Chase Young.
5
Pacheco’s surgery was performed by Dr. Robert Watkins IV, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon who works extensively with professional athletes and serves as the spine surgeon for several Los Angeles sports franchises.
Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco will miss about 12 weeks after undergoing back surgery to remove a loose body pressing on a nerve, targeting an early December return NFL Network. The injury developed while Pacheco was recovering from an MCL strain suffered in training camp, forcing the Lions to lean heavily on Jahmyr Gibbs after he carried 29 times for 156 yards and two touchdowns in Week 1.
Pacheco signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract with Detroit this offseason after the Lions traded David Montgomery to Houston. His absence leaves the backfield dangerously thin: reserve backs Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors entered the season with just nine combined NFL carries and nine offensive snaps total Detroit Jock City.
Pacheco's Long Road to Recovery After Spinal Surgery
Dr. Robert Watkins IV, a renowned orthopedic spine surgeon who works with major pro athletes, performed Pacheco's nerve decompression procedure Heavy. The surgery removed tissue compressing a nerve in Pacheco's lower back. Head Coach Dan Campbell confirmed the extended absence, saying "It's going to be a while... It'll be a significant amount of time though."
Pacheco's injury chain began during training camp when he suffered his second MCL sprain in two years. While rehabilitating that strain, back pain emerged and worsened. He previously missed time in 2025 with an MCL injury and struggled to regain form after breaking his leg in 2024.
Jahmyr Gibbs Faces Heavy Workload as Lead Back
With Pacheco sidelined, Jahmyr Gibbs becomes the clear bell-cow back after receiving a three-year, $67.5 million extension. Gibbs already shouldered 29 carries in Week 1 against New Orleans. CBS Sports noted that running Gibbs at a 30-touch pace early in the season risks burnout or injury before the postseason.
The Lions' backup options are severely limited. Sione Vaki and Jacob Saylors combined for just nine NFL carries entering the season. Vaki played 22 snaps in Week 1 but struggled in pass protection—he collided with left tackle Penei Sewell on one play, contributing to a sack on Jared Goff. Head Coach Dan Campbell acknowledged the problem, saying "We've just got to tighten this stuff up with him."
College Football Loses Key Players to Injury
Beyond Detroit, injuries reshuffled college rosters this week. Penn State defensive end LaVar Arrington II faces four to six weeks out following a knee procedure, potentially sidelining him for games against USC and Michigan Source TBD. Florida wide receiver Eric Singleton Jr. is questionable against Auburn with an ankle injury.
Oregon tight end Jamari Johnson's return remains uncertain after he missed the loss to Oklahoma State. These absences force programs to reorganize depth charts during critical early-season matchups and Big Ten competition.
Lions Explore Trade and Free-Agent Options
Detroit reportedly explored adding running back depth by hosting veteran Kareem Hunt for a visit. The Lions' strategy appears to hinge on committee usage behind Gibbs rather than elevating the unproven backup corps. General Manager Brad Holmes will need to address the position before injuries compound in Week 2 against Buffalo.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
26
Articles
156
Reach
182
A
AnonymousAuthor
