Source + player page
Yahoo Sports NFL fantasy football takes on Jacob Saylors
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Yahoo Sports NFL about Jacob Saylors.
80
Insights
43
Positive
4
Negative
Insight ledger
All Yahoo Sports NFL insights about Jacob Saylors
PositiveInjuryOct 30, 2026
Lions running back Jacob Saylor was limited Wednesday with a neck injury but was full participant Friday; expected to play Sunday.PositiveInjuryOct 30, 2026
Lions running back listed with neck injury but not requiring injury designation for Week 8. Limited or did not practice earlier in week but returned to full practice Thursday and Friday; cleared to play.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors was limited in practice Thursday with a neck injury and upgraded to full participation Friday, indicating likely availability for Sunday.PositiveInjuryOct 29, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors progressed from limited to full practice participation Thursday after dealing with a neck injury, signaling improvement in his status.PositiveInjuryOct 29, 2026
Saylors was unexpectedly added to the Lions injury report with a neck injury but upgraded from limited practice Wednesday to full practice Thursday. Getting in two practices this week is a good sign he is on track to be available on Sunday; the Lions would prefer him available to start alongside DeAndre Carter at kick returner.NegativeInjuryOct 29, 2026
Jacob Saylors participated in practice on a limited basis Wednesday with a neck injury, indicating he is likely to be available for Sunday's game.NegativeInjuryOct 28, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors was a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report with a neck injury.NegativeInjuryOct 28, 2026
Saylors was listed as limited practice Wednesday with a neck injury sustained in Week 7; though he did not appear to suffer the injury during the game, neck issues can develop after play concludes; his limited practice participation is a positive sign for his availability.NegativeRoleOct 28, 2026
With Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated that running backs Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs, with Saylors appearing to be the first player up.NegativeDepth ChartOct 25, 2026
Jacob Saylors is listed as the third running back on the Lions depth chart and serves as a kick returner on special teams.NegativeRoleOct 22, 2026
Will continue to share punt and kick return duties with newly promoted DeAndre Carter in Week 7 against Green Bay Packers, per Lions special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.NegativeRoleOct 22, 2026
Jacob Saylors will share kick and punt return duties with newly signed DeAndre Carter following Tom Kennedy's season-ending injury.NegativeRoleOct 20, 2026
Saylors appears to be the first player up to split touches behind Gibbs with Pacheco on injured reserve.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
With Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve, Lions coach Dan Campbell indicated Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs, with Saylors appearing to be the first player up.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 5, 2026
Saylors averaged less than 22 yards per kick return, underperforming compared to the Panthers' 25.5 average on returns.NegativeUsageSep 30, 2026
Saylors has combined with Sione Vaki for only nine snaps and nine carries, indicating minimal role in Detroit's backfield behind Jahmyr Gibbs.NegativeRoleSep 29, 2026
Lions coach Dan Campbell said running backs Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki could split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs; Saylors appears to be the first player up.PositiveUsageSep 28, 2026
Two kick returns for 81 yards, including a career-long 44-yarder.PositiveRoleSep 28, 2026
Saylors finally provided the spark that Detroit's kick return had been missing this year, with returns that set the Lions up at the 38-yard line and the 47-yard line.PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
Running back Saylors had two impressive kick returns for 81 yards combined, positioning Detroit at the 38 and 47-yard lines and giving the offense shorter fields to work with. The source credits Saylors' solid kick returns with helping the offense's margin for error on drives.PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
Saylors provided a strong kickoff return that set up the Lions' touchdown drive in the first half.PositiveUsageSep 27, 2026
Saylors returned the kickoff following the Jets' touchdown to the Lions' 47-yard line, giving Detroit good field position to start their next drive.NegativeRoleSep 24, 2026
Saylors is on the Lions' running back depth chart behind Gibbs and Vaki. Jabari Small notes the Lions rostered Saylors not just for special teams acumen but because they believe in him as a depth piece behind Pacheco, suggesting he has a role if injuries or performance issues arise.NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
Offensive weapon reserve whose involvement in the Lions' offense is questioned; may see increased playing time as the team looks to develop depth.NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
Saylors is a strong special teamer who proved he has rushing skills when he led the NFL in rushing yards during the preseason. He is part of Detroit's running back depth chart behind Gibbs.NegativeDepth ChartSep 17, 2026
Listed as the third running back on the depth chart; also assigned as a kick returner on special teams.PositiveRoleSep 15, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors appears to be the first player up to split touches behind Jahmyr Gibbs following Isaiah Pacheco's injured reserve placement, per Lions coach Dan Campbell.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors is expected to be one of the Lions' primary kick returners alongside Tom Kennedy. Special teams coordinator Dave Fipp expressed confidence in both players, noting that Saylors has experience in the role, having led the Lions with 33 kick returns for 897 yards last season.NegativeValueSep 9, 2026
Ranked 1st among running backs in Justin Boone's Week 1 RB trade value charts.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki will compete for the primary backup role behind Jahmyr Gibbs with Isiah Pacheco on injured reserve.NegativeRoleSep 7, 2026
Jacob Saylors will share backup running back duties with Sione Vaki in a committee approach; Dan Campbell clarified 'I don't see it like Saylors is running back 2,' noting that Saylors 'brings special teams value' and the team has 'seen more of him than Vaki in games, preseason games,' but Vaki is also expected to receive significant reps.NegativeRoleSep 7, 2026
Dan Campbell indicated the backup role will be a committee approach rather than Saylors being the clear RB2. Campbell stated 'I don't see, Okay, Saylors is like running back two' and emphasized Saylors brings special teams value, suggesting Sione Vaki will get significant reps as well. Campbell's answer focused more on endorsing Vaki despite the question being about Saylors.PositiveUsageSep 7, 2026
Dominated preseason carries with 187 rushing yards (second most in NFL) on 31 carries for 6.0 yards per carry average. Took the majority of carries for Detroit in preseason and was excellent, though Dan Campbell's recent comments suggest Saylors brings special teams value and may not be the primary backup despite his preseason performance.PositiveRoleSep 5, 2026
Saylors started all three preseason games and showed steady, consistent play with strong technical skills and productivity despite working behind the reserve offensive line; over 90% of Lions fans surveyed believe he will assume the majority of Pacheco's snaps and become the RB2, citing his natural running back abilities and pass-catching skills out of the backfield.NegativeRoleSep 3, 2026
Saylors is a depth running back for the Lions in 2026; there is hope he improves from his 2025 version with another year in the system, though improvement alone won't offset the loss of Montgomery.PositiveBreakoutSep 3, 2026
Saylors has been a great success story this preseason; with Gibbs, Pacheco, and Vaki not playing in the preseason, he has started each game and performed very well, showing decisive reads, strength through the hole, subtle moves to shake into space, and power to finish runs; his balanced skill set and reliability could elevate him into an RB2 role to start the season.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Jacob Saylors remains on the Lions' running back depth chart alongside Jahmyr Gibbs and Sione Vaki following the waiver of Jabari Small and injury to Isiah Pacheco.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
With Pacheco sidelined, Jacob Saylors is the most likely player to see increased backfield role and spell Gibbs during games. Jabari Small and Sione Vaki could also contribute, but Saylors emerges as the primary backup option after roster cuts.PositiveRoleSep 1, 2026
Saylors is now in line to be the No. 2 back behind Jahmyr Gibbs for the first month of the season with Pacheco's placement on injured reserve.PositiveBreakoutAug 31, 2026
Saylors was downright dominant in preseason but has a miniscule resume, raising the question of whether he is ready to take RB2 duties. The source's positive assessment of his preseason performance suggests potential upside despite the lack of track record.PositiveUsageAug 31, 2026
Saylors won the RB4 competition against Jabari Small decisively, finishing the preseason with more scrimmage yards than any other player in the NFL. Dan Campbell had noted the competition was neck-and-neck a few weeks prior, but since then it was almost all Saylors, establishing him as the clear backup option behind the Lions' top three running backs.PositiveProjectionAug 30, 2026
Jacob Saylors earned 11 unanimous 'IN' votes for the 53-man roster and proved beyond any doubt he has earned a spot on the roster, according to the source. He maintained his position with no change from prior predictions.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Saylors dominated the preseason finale against the Colts and could rise as high as RB2 by Week 1, according to the source.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Saylors' incredible play in the preseason finale will help ease concerns about the Lions' running back depth behind Gibbs and Pacheco; his strong performance bolstered his case for the roster.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Saylors has firmly secured his spot on the 53-man roster after a dominant preseason performance. In the preseason finale against the Colts, he was featured heavily with 14 touches (12 carries, 2 targets) across 38 offensive plays in the first half alone—nearly half the team's plays—accumulating 67 rushing yards and 12 receiving yards. He finished the game with 17 carries for 100 yards. Dan Campbell praised his performance, saying "Saylors is making a lot of runs. All those guys have had some runs, but Saylors is taking advantage of that and he's finding those creases." With Jabari Small suffering an injury on a kick return, Saylors could be in line for offensive touches in Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints if the Lions remain shorthanded at running back.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
The source projects Saylors to earn the RB4 role, crediting his consistency throughout camp and versatility on offense and special teams as the deciding factors over Trayveon Williams.PositiveUsageAug 29, 2026
Lions running back had impressive preseason afternoon with 22-yard bounce-out run early, 6-yard gain, and 19-yard run in third quarter that helped him eclipse 100 yards on the day; also caught checkdown pass from Josh Dobbs.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Jacob Saylors is dealing with a recent ankle injury and could get rest if he is comfortably positioned as RB4, but the source indicates the running back battle remains far from over and he may need to prove himself one more time in the preseason finale.NegativeRoleAug 26, 2026
Saylors remains healthy on the Lions' running back depth chart; the Lions may be cautious about playing most depth options in their preseason finale on Saturday given recent injuries to Raheem Blackshear and Jabari Small.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Steadily been RB4 on depth chart; only returned from ankle injury less than a week ago; expected to finish out preseason with Gibbs unlikely to play in final game.PositiveRoleAug 23, 2026
Saylors got the start and likely remains in the lead for the RB4 job; described 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
Logged 20 snaps (30%) and 4 special teams snaps (18%) in RB4 competition; was neck-and-neck with Jabari Small for roster spot, but Small's concussion may have given Saylors an edge in the competition.PositiveBreakoutAug 22, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors continued his strong preseason start with 32 yards on six carries and good cuts; he's the biggest threat to Vaki's RB3 role, and if he continues his strong showings, coaches could see him taking over the third-string running back job, leaving Vaki strictly on special teams.NegativeInjuryAug 22, 2026
Saylors is only a few days removed from an ankle injury and is the only exception among the next three backs on the depth chart who may not be available for preseason Game 2; he would benefit from playing in this game to hold onto the RB4 role with competition nipping at his heels.NegativeDepth ChartAug 20, 2026
Saylors was one of the starting kick returners during Thursday's practice, indicating he is in competition for the return role.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Saylors is serving as one of the kick returners alongside Greg Dortch, indicating a role in special teams coverage.NegativeUsageAug 19, 2026
Tight end Jacob Saylors received a flats route target in a situational drill where Ennis Rakestraw made an immediate tackle.PositiveRoleAug 17, 2026
Saylors jumped from 9 to 11 staff votes for the RB4 spot after a strong preseason outing; however, he is now nursing an ankle injury while Jabari Small returns to the field, creating a fluid competition that coach Dan Campbell described as neck-and-neck with momentum shifting day-to-day.NegativeInjuryAug 16, 2026
Saylors did not practice on Sunday due to an ankle injury.PositiveUsageAug 16, 2026
Saylors was the most impactful offensive player in the preseason opener, per head coach Dan Campbell's post-game assessment. He rushed for 6.9 yards per carry (55 yards total) and 9.3 yards per reception (28 receiving yards), averaging 6.38 yards after contact per attempt—the second-best mark among 23 qualifying running backs in Week 1. Campbell called him 'our most potent player on offense' and 'a steady workhorse,' noting he made a lot of plays despite the offensive line still finding its footing.NegativeInjuryAug 15, 2026
Suffered an ankle injury after being tackled from behind during the preseason opener; coach Dan Campbell downplayed the seriousness, saying 'I don't think it's serious, but it could be a day or two here.'PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
With Isiah Pacheco, Sione Vaki, and Jabari Small all shelved, Saylors showed he can be a potent part of the offense and strengthened his case for a roster spot. He finished 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 as a receiving threat out of the backfield, and looked noticeably fresher than last season when he arrived off a UFL season—poised to surpass the two offensive touches he received last year.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Running back competing for RB4 role took major step forward in preseason game, leading team in rushing attempts, yards, yards per carry, receptions, and receiving yards; displayed decisiveness as runner, shifty movement, and versatility across different routes. Coach Dan Campbell called him "probably our most potent player on offense" and "a steady workhorse," indicating strong positioning in backup RB competition.PositiveDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
Saylors got the start and played 29 snaps (44%) plus 3 special teams snaps (12%) in the preseason opener. The source notes he played extremely well and continues to make a strong case to be the team's RB4 for the second straight season. Coach Campbell praised Saylors, and the source indicates his roster spot is secure.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Saylors won the early battle for the RB4 position against Jabari Small, who was held out due to injury. He turned eight carries into 55 yards and tied for the team lead in receiving with three catches for 28 yards. The source notes his performance checked multiple boxes—he looked fast, strong, agile, and reliable—and while the competition is far from over with Small expected to get a fair look, Saylors has landed the early blow in this tight training camp battle.PositiveBreakoutAug 14, 2026
Fourth-string running back Jacob Saylors is emerging as a threat for the RB3 spot after a strong preseason Week 1 showing. With Sione Vaki sidelined by a broken nose and eye injury, Saylors got significant playing time in training camp and the preseason opener, recording eight carries for 55 yards and three catches for 28 yards. After being RB4 last year primarily on special teams, Saylors has a real opportunity to upend Vaki for the third-string role if he continues to perform well through the rest of August.PositiveRoleAug 13, 2026
Saylors is competing for the RB4 roster spot against Jabari Small in a competition Coach Dan Campbell has said is very close. With Gibbs, Pacheco, Vaki, and Small all unavailable or nursing injuries in the preseason opener vs. Cincinnati, Saylors has a significant opportunity to separate himself in the reserve running back competition.NegativeRoleAug 13, 2026
Competing with Jabari Small for reserve running back snaps; coach Dan Campbell said "I feel like those two guys (Saylors and Small) are just jockeying with each other right now. One guy's a little bit ahead. The next day, the other guy's a little bit ahead." Campbell also noted both are contributing on special teams, which could be important for their roster status.PositiveUsageAug 10, 2026
Saylors had a nice 7-yard run during the second drive of the first-team offense vs. defense drills.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Former UFL running back has an opportunity to climb the depth chart and earn snaps during training camp with both Pacheco and Vaki dealing with injuries. Saylors has spent time with four NFL teams during training camp (Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns) but has never taken an NFL regular-season snap.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 a 1-yard touchdown in the final drive (Drive 12), showing effectiveness in short-yardage situations.PositiveRoleAug 6, 2026
With Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, and Sione Vaki unavailable, Saylors shared first-team reps at running back. The source noted he continues to impress with his speed and one-cut style of running, though he benefitted from strong run blocking on the day.PositiveUsageAug 6, 2026
With Pacheco, Vaki, and Gibbs unavailable for team drills on Thursday, Saylors split first-team running back reps evenly with Jabari Small, getting significant opportunity in the Lions' backfield.PositiveRoleAug 4, 2026
Saylors has gotten run with the first team (backing up Pacheco) as well as starting with the second team. On Tuesday, he produced two 10+ yard runs and routinely is able to pinball off one-handed tackle attempts. Coach Dan Campbell praised him as someone who 'knows the system' and is 'a smart guy' who 'looks much more comfortable' and 'has ability.'NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Saylors maintains 9 "IN" votes with no change, still needing to convince a couple of staffers he's worth keeping as an RB4. His roster status could shift depending on the severity of Sione Vaki's eye injury suffered Monday morning.PositiveRoleAug 3, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors stepped into a larger role behind Isiah Pacheco with Jahmyr Gibbs holding out and Sion Vaki leaving practice early after getting poked in the eye. 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 Saylors has quietly had a solid camp and, depending on Gibbs and Vaki's situations, could suddenly be in line for more touches and a chance to prove his worth.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Running back Jacob Saylors was bumped to RB2 for the remainder of Day 5 practice with Jahmyr Gibbs and Sione Vaki out, providing him with additional reps during the first padded practice.PositiveUsageJul 30, 2026
Saylors is getting opportunities to showcase his abilities during Gibbs' training camp absence, as the Lions use the time to evaluate depth at the running back position.NegativeDepth ChartJul 27, 2026
Saylors is projected to make the 53-man roster as one of four running backs, though the source notes that running backs fit a unique role that special teams coordinator Dave Fipp prefers, which could impact the final allocation.