The Detroit Lions wrapped up their second preseason game on Friday night on the road against the Atlanta Falcons.
The Lions had some positive and negative plays from this latest exhibition contest that they can take with them into practice this week in preparation for their next match. The Lions also saw a couple of players leave the game, including veteran running back Craig Reynolds.
Reynolds was popped by a Falcons DB, but returned to the game. That said, before hitting the practice field, the Lions are adding more depth to their backfield, which will give them some more insurance for the rest of the preseason.
Lions Add Veteran Deon Jackson to RB Room
On Sunday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC-2 reported that the Lions have signed veteran running back Deon Jackson.
#Lions sign running back Deon Jackson previously #Colts per league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 10, 2025
The 26-year-old Jackson most recently played in the UFL a couple of months ago with the DC Defenders, whom he helped win the 2025 UFL title. The 6-foot, 218-pound running back was one of the better running backs in the spring league, racking up 441 rushing yards on 83 carries (5.0 yards per carry).
Jackson is the second UFL running back that the Lions have signed in recent weeks; the other was Jacob Saylors, who has spent the last two years playing with the St. Louis Battlehawks.
Saylors led the Lions in rushing on Friday night, with 35 yards on nine carries. He also added two receptions (two targets) for 14 yards.
NFL fans may be somewhat familiar with Jackson, who spent parts of two-plus seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.
Jackson’s best year in the NFL was in 2022, when he recorded 445 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns on 98 touches across 16 games. However, Jackson has struggled to find that groove in the league as his tenure in Indianapolis ended in September 2023, which led him to play with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants.
Last summer, Jackson was in camp with the New York Jets, but did not make the final 53-man roster. That said, the UFL running back has a chance to make some waves with the Lions, as he could push Saylors and Jabari Small for a practice squad.
We all know that the Lions’ running back room is set with Jahymr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, and Craig Reynolds.
However, it's unlikely that we’ll see the starters play in the preseason, and the Lions cannot allow Reynolds to take another huge hit like we saw the other day. Therefore, the more RB depth, the better, as the Lions try to strike gold with another UFL signing.