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Pride Of Detroit fantasy football takes on Jacob Saylors
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Pride Of Detroit about Jacob Saylors.
69
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43
Positive
3
Negative
Insight ledger
All Pride Of Detroit insights about Jacob Saylors
NegativeInjuryOct 30, 2026
Jacob Saylors is listed with a neck injury but does not require an injury designation for Week 8. He was limited or did not practice earlier in the week but returned to full practice Thursday and Friday, and is cleared to play.PositiveInjuryOct 29, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors was unexpectedly added to the injury report with a neck injury but participated in two practices this week and is on track to be available on Sunday. The Lions would prefer Saylors to be available to share kick returner duties alongside DeAndre Carter, who is only starting his second game at the position.PositiveInjuryOct 28, 2026
Lions RB Jacob Saylors was limited in practice Wednesday after suffering a neck injury in Week 7. The source notes that Saylors did not appear to suffer the injury during the game itself but it emerged afterward. His limited practice participation is characterized as 'a good sign' for his recovery trajectory.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
One of Detroit's current kickoff returners with 13 returns for 338 yards, but has zero experience returning punts at any level.NegativeUsageOct 12, 2026
Saylor averaged 27.3 yards per return on 4 kick-return attempts, contributing to the Lions' stellar special teams performance.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Two kick returns for 81 yards, including a career-long 44-yarder.NegativeUsageSep 28, 2026
Saylors played 2 snaps (3%) in Week 3, seeing minimal offensive usage while contributing 15 special teams snaps (65%).PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Finally provided the spark that Detroit's kick return had been missing this year. Had returns that set the Lions up at the 38-yard line and the 47-yard line, contributing to the special teams' strong performance.PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
Saylors had two impressive kick returns for 81 yards combined, positioning Detroit at the 38 and 47-yard lines; the source credits his solid kick return game with making a meaningful difference in field position and reducing the margin for error on offensive drives.NegativeRoleSep 27, 2026
Listed as kick returner for the Lions in Week 3 vs. Jets; backup running back on offensive depth chart.NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
Offensive reserve whose involvement in the Lions offense remains uncertain; sources question when, if ever, the team will get offensive weapon reserves like Saylors involved in the game plan.NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
Lions RB depth option and strong special teams contributor who led the NFL in rushing yards during the preseason, providing additional depth behind Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit's running back room.NegativeDepth ChartSep 17, 2026
Third-string running back on the Lions' Week 2 depth chart; also listed as a kick returner on special teams.NegativeRoleSep 13, 2026
Jacob Saylors is listed as the third-string running back on the Lions' Week 1 depth chart and is designated as a kick returner.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp confirmed running back Jacob Saylors as one of the primary kick returners alongside Tom Kennedy; Fipp noted Saylors 'have experience doing it' and 'did a bunch a year ago,' with Saylors leading the Lions in kick returns last season with 33 returns for 897 yards.PositiveUsageSep 7, 2026
Saylors took the majority of carries in preseason and was excellent, finishing with 187 rushing yards (second most in NFL) on 31 carries for a 6.0 yards-per-carry average. However, Dan Campbell's recent comments suggest a committee approach with Vaki, indicating Saylors may not be the clear RB2 despite his preseason performance.PositiveRoleSep 5, 2026
Saylors started all three preseason games and showed steady, consistent performance with strong technical skills and productivity despite working behind the reserve offensive line; fans and analysts view him as the likely RB2, citing his natural running back abilities, receiving skills out of the backfield, and blocking prowess as reasons he will secure the majority of Isiah Pacheco's snaps with Jahmyr Gibbs as the clear bell-cow back.NegativeRoleSep 3, 2026
Saylors is expected to improve from his 2025 version with another year in the system, though the source notes this improvement alone won't make up the gap left by David Montgomery's departure from the running back depth chart.PositiveBreakoutSep 3, 2026
Described as a great preseason success story; started each game and performed very well with decisive reads, strong running through the hole, subtle evasive moves, and power to finish runs; balanced skill set and reliability could elevate him into an RB2 role to start the season.PositiveBreakoutSep 2, 2026
Jacob Saylors is highlighted by the source as a player with potential big contributor impact during the 2026 Lions season, suggesting breakout or increased role potential.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Jacob Saylors is one of the Lions' kick returners on the 53-man roster.NegativeDepth ChartSep 2, 2026
Listed as a kick returner on the Lions' special teams.PositiveBreakoutAug 31, 2026
Saylors was downright dominant in preseason but has a miniscule resume; the source questions whether he is ready to take RB2 duties despite his strong camp performance.PositiveUsageAug 31, 2026
Saylors dominated the RB4 competition against Jabari Small, finishing the preseason with more scrimmage yards than any other player in the NFL after Dan Campbell noted the competition was neck-and-neck weeks prior.PositiveDepth ChartAug 30, 2026
Jacob Saylors earned unanimous 11 votes (no change) for the 53-man roster after proving 'beyond any doubt that he has earned a spot on the roster' during the preseason, securing his position as a backup running back.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Saylors is projected to make the 53-man roster as the fourth running back. His incredible play in the preseason finale will help ease minds about whether he and Vaki can provide adequate offensive help if Pacheco's injury carries into the regular season.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Saylors has firmly stamped his spot on the 53-man roster after a productive preseason. In the preseason finale, he had 14 touches across 38 Lions offensive plays in the first half (37% of plays), including 12 carries for 67 yards and 2 catches for 12 yards. He finished the game with 17 carries for 100 yards. Dan Campbell noted during halftime: "Saylors is making a lot of runs... Saylors is taking advantage of that and he's finding those creases." With Jabari Small injured on a kick return, Saylors' workload extended into the second half. If the Lions remain shorthanded at running back heading into Week 1 against New Orleans, Saylors could be part of the Week 1 offense.PositiveDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
The source projects Saylors to secure the RB4 role, crediting his consistency throughout camp and his versatility on offense and special teams, which gave him the edge over Trayveon Williams in the competition.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Saylors had an impressive afternoon, recording a 22-yard run in the first quarter, a 6-yard reception, and a 19-yard run in the third quarter that helped him eclipse 100 yards on the day. He demonstrated ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver in the Lions' offensive scheme.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Recent ankle injury; positioned as RB4 but may need to prove himself one more time in preseason Game 3 to secure roster spot. Source notes he could get rest if comfortably entrenched at RB4, but the battle for depth RB roles remains unsettled.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Saylors faced off against Sione Vaki in special teams gunners vs. jammers reps and lost handily, with Vaki beating him with a nice re-anchor as a jammer, freeing the return man for a nice rushing lane.NegativeInjuryAug 24, 2026
Lions RB4 has steadily held that depth chart position; only returned from ankle injury less than a week ago; expected to play in final preseason game.PositiveProjectionAug 24, 2026
Running back is 'the best running back not named Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit' and is 'closer to being the team's RB3 instead of RB4,' making him 'a safe bet to make the 53-man roster.' Through two preseason games, Saylors has run 14 times for 87 yards with 28 receiving yards. Against the Commanders, his 5.3 yards per carry led all four running backs who carried the ball; his 6.2 yards per carry is the fourth-best mark among 67 qualifying running backs with at least 10 carries this preseason. He ranks seventh in total yards from scrimmage among running backs this preseason. The source attributes his opportunity to injuries to Isiah Pacheco and Sione Vaki.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Saylors got the start and likely remains in the lead for the RB4 job, but faces real competition after terrific showings by every reserve running back; the source describes him as a steady runner who can put power behind his pads, find daylight in the defensive line, and has the balance to cut back against the grain.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
Played 20 snaps (30%) and 4 special teams snaps (18%) in the preseason game. Coach Dan Campbell had previously mentioned Saylors and Jabari Small were neck-and-neck in a potential RB4 competition, but Small's concussion may have shifted the dynamic.PositiveRoleAug 22, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors continued his strong preseason performance with 32 yards on six carries and good cuts. The source identifies Saylors as the biggest threat to Vaki for the RB3 role, and if he continues his strong showings, coaches could see him taking over that role and leaving Vaki strictly on special teams.PositiveUsageAug 22, 2026
Saylors was part of a Lions running back group that combined for 30 carries, 113 yards, and a touchdown in the preseason Game 2 victory; he contributed a third-and-1 conversion on the ground.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Recently suffered an ankle injury and is only a few days removed from it, creating uncertainty about his availability for preseason Game 2 vs. Commanders. Playing in this game would benefit Saylors as he looks to hold onto the RB4 role with competition nipping at his heels.PositiveRoleAug 21, 2026
Kick return candidate praised by Fipp despite lighter weight (195 pounds) not fitting ideal profile; Fipp specifically praised Saylors' special teams performance last year, which included 33 kick returns. Fipp stated 'I love Saylors. I loved him a year ago. He came in and really helped us out on special teams' and 'I thought he played very, very well for us on teams a year ago,' suggesting he has earned continued work despite not being the bigger, stronger type Fipp prefers.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors is one of the Lions' kick returners alongside Greg Dortch, filling a critical special teams role; the source raises the possibility that Detroit could outsource some special teams snaps to running backs and defensive backs rather than relying solely on receivers.PositiveDepth ChartAug 20, 2026
Favorite for the fourth running back roster spot; has demonstrated performance on both offense and special teams during training camp.NegativeUsageAug 19, 2026
Tight end Jacob Saylors was targeted on a flats route in a second-team situational drill where Ennis Rakestraw made an immediate tackle on the play.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Jacob Saylors had a seven-yard run on the sixth drive with the reserves, following a duo block from Mason Miller and Colby Sorsdal, where Sorsdal climbed to the linebacker.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Saylors jumped to 11 votes (up 2) for the RB4 spot after a strong preseason outing, though he is now nursing an ankle injury; Campbell described the RB4 battle as neck-and-neck with Small, with one player ahead one day and the other ahead the next.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
The source projects Saylors as the fourth running back on the 53-man roster, noting he has taken a massive leap in the RB4 battle ahead of his contemporaries. His contributions on special teams make keeping a fourth running back palatable, and the source argues you could make a case that Saylors is ahead of Vaki on offense.NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026
Running back did not practice on Sunday due to an ankle injury.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Running back had the most impactful offensive performance in Lions' preseason Week 1 opener, per Dan Campbell's post-game assessment. Saylors rushed for 6.9 yards per carry (55 yards total) and 9.3 yards per reception (28 receiving yards total), earning 6.38 yards after contact per attempt—second-best among 23 qualifying running backs in Week 1. Of his 55 rushing yards, 51 came after contact, demonstrating efficiency and effectiveness as both runner and receiver despite the offensive line still finding its footing.NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026
Running back suffered an ankle injury after being tackled from behind during the preseason opener, but coach Dan Campbell downplayed the seriousness, saying 'I don't think it's serious, but it could be a day or two here.'PositiveBreakoutAug 15, 2026
With Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, and Jabari Small all shelved, Saylors showed he can be a potent part of the offense, finishing with eight carries for 55 yards (6.9 yards per carry) including a 27-yard long and four other runs of seven or more yards, plus three catches for 28 receiving yards. Beyond production, Saylors showed intimidating acceleration, consistently ran through arm tackles, proved competent in pass protection, and demonstrated receiving threat capability out of the backfield. He looked noticeably fresher than last season when he arrived off a UFL season, and appears poised to surpass the two offensive touches he received for the Lions last year.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
In the RB4 competition, Saylors took a massive step forward, leading the team in rushing attempts, yards, average yards per carry, receptions, and receiving yards. He demonstrated versatility by getting involved in the offense in multiple ways, showed decisiveness as a runner with shifty movement, and produced results on different routes. Coach Dan Campbell called him "probably our most potent player on offense" and described him as "a steady workhorse," indicating he is the leading candidate for the backup running back role.PositiveDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Saylors got the start and played 29 snaps (44%) plus 3 special teams snaps (12%), playing extremely well and continuing to make a strong case to be the team's RB4 for the second straight season. Coach Campbell praised the running back's performance, and with his main competition Jabari Small still held out with a likely knee injury, Saylors is in a favorable position to secure the fourth running back role.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Saylors won the early battle for the RB4 position against Jabari Small (who was held out with injury) by turning eight carries into 55 yards and tying for the team lead in receiving with three catches for 28 yards. The source notes he looked fast, strong, agile, and reliable in execution, though the competition with Small is far from over and Small is expected to get a fair look once healthy.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Fourth-string running back competing for RB3 spot after Sione Vaki suffered broken nose and eye injury; had strong preseason Week 1 showing with eight carries for 55 yards and three catches for 28 yards, positioning him to potentially upend Vaki for third-string role if he continues performing well through rest of August.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
With Jahmyr Gibbs locked in as starter, Isiah Pacheco as backup, and Sione Vaki on special teams, the Lions have a four-running-back roster structure; Saylors (last year's RB4) is competing against Jabari Small for the fourth spot, a competition Campbell has called very close. Gibbs, Pacheco, Vaki, and Small are all unavailable or injured for the preseason game against Cincinnati, creating a major opportunity for Saylors to separate himself in the reserve competition.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Competing with Jabari Small for reserve running back snaps; Campbell said the two are 'jockeying with each other' with one ahead some days and the other ahead on others, and praised both for their special teams contributions which 'will be big for both of those players.'NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Saylors is competing with Jabari Small for the RB4 spot. The team really likes Saylors as a special teamer, and the two are jockeying for position daily with one ahead some days and the other ahead on others.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Jacob Saylors is part of a notable training camp competition at his position; the source describes a low-key awesome training camp battle brewing between Saylors and Jabari Small.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors had a nice 7-yard run during the second live drive on Day 10.PositiveDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Jacob Saylors is the consensus choice to be the Lions' fourth running back if they keep one, with all staff members picking him over Jabari Small. He received 9 votes (no change) and is favored in the fourth RB competition.PositiveRoleAug 7, 2026
Jacob Saylors had a strong run in Drive 8 with good lead blocks from Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge for 7 yards, and punched in the game-winning touchdown from 1 yard out in Drive 12.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
With Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, and Sione Vaki unavailable, Saylors shared first-team running back reps with Jabari Small. The source notes Saylors continues to impress with his speed and one-cut running style, benefitting from strong run blocking on the day.PositiveUsageAug 6, 2026
Saylors received first-team running back reps on Day 7 of training camp, splitting them evenly with Jabari Small while Pacheco, Vaki, and Gibbs were unavailable for team drills.PositiveRoleAug 4, 2026
Saylors has gotten some run with the first-team (backing up Pacheco) as well as starting with the second team. On Tuesday, he once again produced two 10+ yard runs, and routinely is able to pinball off one-handed tackle attempts. Coach Dan Campbell said at his morning presser: "He knows the system, and he's a smart guy. He's conscientious. And, so that's always going to help when you come into camp. [...] He looks much more comfortable. And he's got ability. I mean, you see it."NegativeDepth ChartAug 3, 2026
Saylors maintains 9 'IN' votes with no change; he still needs to convince a couple of staffers that he's worth keeping as an RB4, though his outlook could shift depending on the severity of Sione Vaki's eye injury suffered Monday morning.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
With Gibbs holding out and Sion Vaki leaving practice early after getting poked in the eye, Jacob Saylors stepped into a larger role behind Isiah Pacheco. Saylors made the most of his opportunity, bursting through a right side gap for a 20+ yard gain during 11-on-11s, then closing out practice with a 40+ yard wheel route that he took untouched for a touchdown. The source notes he has quietly had a solid camp and could be in line for more touches depending on Gibbs and Vaki's situations.NegativeDepth ChartAug 3, 2026
Running back bumped to RB2 role for the rest of the day with Gibbs and Vaki unavailable due to injury.NegativeRoleJul 30, 2026
Saylors is among the backup running backs getting opportunities during Gibbs' hold-in from training camp. Amon-Ra St. Brown identified Saylors as one of the guys stepping up: 'Guys stepping up: Isiah, Vaki, (Jacob) Saylors. So, getting other guys opportunities too to show what they can do. So it all works out for a reason.'PositiveDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Jacob Saylors has the best chance among reserve running backs to secure a fourth RB roster spot on Detroit's 53-man roster. Nine of 11 Pride of Detroit staff voters have him making the team, contingent on a strong special teams performance during the preseason.PositiveDepth ChartJul 22, 2026
Jacob Saylors is projected to make the 53-man roster as the fourth running back. The Lions' choice of Saylors over Craig Reynolds last season revealed how much they value his special teams contributions.