Although the Detroit Lions have questions along their offensive line, their running game still seems poised for success in 2025. Despite neither David Montgomery nor Jahmyr Gibbs taking a preseason snap, they will be ready for Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. Behind them, veteran Craig Reynolds and youngster Sione Vaki have put together good preseasons, showing they are viable backups.
That said, one former Lions running back may have just seen a spot open up for him on the roster of one of Detroit's NFC rivals. Following multiple injuries to the running back position, the San Francisco 49ers may have to call up veteran Jamaal Williams. While Williams has been a journeyman throughout his career, Lions fans would hate seeing him in red and gold.
Niners RBs Patrick Taylor (shoulder), Corey Kiner (high ankle sprain) to miss time after sustaining injuries in win over Raidershttps://t.co/XvouptnY8M pic.twitter.com/NTUm8Hadx0
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) August 17, 2025
Former Lions Running Back Jamaal Williams May Join the San Francisco 49ers
Lions fans remember the 30-year-old back because of his monstrous 2022 season with the team. That year, Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns on 262 carries. Not only did he lead the NFL in touchdowns in 2022, but it was also by far his best season as a pro.
Williams' success was a byproduct of the offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and his focus on having a proficient rushing attack. Though it's not a one-to-one comparison, the combo of Williams and D'Andre Swift gave a peek into what the Lions' rushing attack would look like with Gibbs and Montgomery.
Having said that, even at 30 years old, Williams would be a good fit for an injury-plagued 49ers backfield. Throughout training camp and the preseason, San Francisco has already seen multiple running backs get injured.
Saturday was the latest example with Patrick Taylor injuring his shoulder and rookie Corey Kiner suffering a high ankle sprain. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed after the game that both players would be out for the next few weeks.
In addition, second-year running back Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James are also dealing with injuries. That leaves Jeff Wilson and Ke'Shawn Vaughn as Christian McCaffrey's only two current backups.
There is certainly an argument that Williams is better than both of those guys, even if San Francisco has already signed Wilson over Williams. Nevertheless, if the 30-year-old does join the 49ers, Lions fans will no longer support him on the field.