ESPN: The Lions cut ties with the rookie running back after a 10-touchdown season.
Last season, the Detroit Lions’ rushing offense was among the best in the NFL thanks to the explosive and potent combo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Even a good rookie might end up on the wrong side of the roster bubble, so even though the Lions are at the top of their depth chart, they may face fierce competition for the remaining roster places this summer. According to Vito Chirco of SI.com, two undrafted rookies with solid resumes will compete for the last roster place.
Lions Face Difficult Competition The backfield
In addition to Gibbs and Montgomery, Chirco projected that the Lions would retain two returning running backs, Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki. Last season, the two were a great addition to the team, and Vaki’s promise was praised by the coaching staff.
“Vaki, who was selected by the Lions in the fourth round last season, played in 16 games as a rookie,” Chirco stated. On six carries and three receptions, he totaled 14 running yards and 37 receiving yards, respectively. On 310 special teams snaps, he also contributed eight tackles and a forced fumble.
Since joining the team in 2021, Reynolds has made 48 appearances and contributed in both the passing and rushing games, making him a favorite among the coaching staff. He and Vaki both contribute more to the squad because they are regulars on special teams.
According to Chirco, undrafted rookies Anthony Tyus III and Kye Robichaux will compete for the last roster position, with Tyus most likely to secure the backfield place.
Robichaux played his final two seasons at Boston College after spending his first two at Western Kentucky. He had 744 yards and 10 touchdowns on 175 carries during his last season with the Eagles, Chirco noted. “I think Tyus is currently ahead of Robichaux on the team’s running back depth chart.”
Robichaux may still make the practice squad, but he will have to distinguish himself in a crowded and skilled running back class.
Kye Robichaux Makes Money Bravo
Robichaux, who would provide the backfield with much-needed power, might yet make a serious run for a spot on the squad. In college, the 5-foot-11, 209-pound running back was known for accepting contact and “packs a punch for his size,” according to SI.com’s Emmett Matasovsky.
According to Matasovsky, that may provide the Lions with a significant advantage in goal-line scenarios.
He stated, “This transitions into his next strength, which is his ability to finish at the goal line.” Six of Robichaux’s seven 2023 touchdowns were from within the five-yard line. Robichaux spent both seasons with the Eagles as a short yardage option, which he excelled at.
Since the Lions no longer maintain a specialized fullback on the roster, Robichaux may get more opportunities. Although they haven’t had a fullback on the roster since Jason Cabinda in 2023, the team occasionally used linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez as a fullback or flexed a tight end into the backfield.
