The 2025 campaign for Detroit Lions second-year running back Sione Vaki has been one to forget as injuries have plagued the former Utah Utes standout since training camp, with the latest coming against the Dallas Cowboys during their 44-30 victory on Thursday Night Football.
Vaki has turned into a special teams standout for Detroit, but was forced to leave the game during the fourth quarter after being injured. While Vaki did walk off the field under his own power, there has yet to be any official update from the coaching staff or medical team as to what exactly led to the 2024 fourth-round pick needing assistance during the final stanza of the Lions' convincing victory.
Given the lack of an official update, the hope has to be that whatever was ailing Vaki was minor in nature and will not be an issue moving forward, as his presence will be needed during the stretch run after the front office released Craig Reynolds on Nov. 26, only to see him signed by the New England Patriots by Nov. 28.
Vaki's Continued Injury Issues May Have Lions Regretting Reynolds Release
Just this season alone, Vaki has dealt with issues with his hamstring, groin, ankle, and thumb. Those injuries have limited the running back/special teams contributor to just seven appearances this season. This comes after Vaki saw action in 16 contests during the 2024 campaign. Availability is the best ability a professional football player can have. Vaki has been lacking in that department this season, and it cost Detroit a player who was a proven contributor.
Despite his 55 appearances going back to the 2021 campaign, Reynolds was unable to maintain his grip on his special teams role, which led to the front office viewing him as expendable after Vaki found himself on the field for nearly 60% of their special teams snaps this season. The fact that he was added to the Patriots' practice squad within 48 hours of his release speaks to how highly valued Reynolds is by true contenders around the league.
Now, with Vaki potentially dealing with another injury, and Reynolds off to New England, Dan Campbell and the coaching staff could have a tough decision to make ahead of the Lions' Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. With the way that Matthew Stafford and the Rams' offense has performed thus far, having players available who are capable of breaking big plays on special teams could be the difference between a much-needed road victory or another troubling defeat.