The Detroit Lions' training camp is in full swing, and injuries have unfortunately begun to pile up. This is a part of the game, and Lions fans have grown accustomed to these injuries over the years, but this doesn't make it hurt any less. It becomes especially difficult when injuries cost players their opportunities and potential roster spots.
Sione Vaki may be facing these circumstances after suffering a nose and eye injury this week. The third-year running back will be "out for a little bit," according to Dan Campbell. Even though the team didn't specify how long "a little bit" will be, it's difficult to imagine Vaki returning to full practice with pads with a broken nose any time soon.
For a player who is already on the roster bubble, this has to be a letdown. It also puts his future with the team in jeopardy.
The Lions quickly proceeded with the signing of veteran RB Raheem Blackshear on Tuesday. After bringing in four rushers for a tryout, the Lions opted to sign Blackshear. They had to waive WR Lawrence Keys with an injury designation to make room for the 28-year-old.
RB competition may lead to Sione Vaki's exit in Detroit
With Blackshear now in the mix, Vaki will have more training camp competition upon his return. Blackshear spent last season bouncing around practice squads, but he has a lot of NFL experience from his Carolina Panthers days. He has been a reliable kick returner in his three seasons there and was an emergency backup in the backfield.
Besides Blackshear, Vaki's top competition will be Jacob Saylors. He emerged as a key special teams contributor last season, and he may have done enough in the return game to earn himself a roster spot.
In fact, Saylors has already earned Campbell's praise in training camp. Campbell said of Saylors, "He's a smart guy, he's conscientious. That's always going to help when you come into camp... He looks much more comfortable. He's got ability. I mean, you see it. ... It's a great opportunity for him. This is a great opportunity." per Richard Silva of the Detroit News.
Silva also noted how Saylors flashed his play-making abilities and explosiveness in the first padded session.
With Jahmyr Gibbs taking on a bell-cow role and Isiah Pacheco as the RB2, the opportunities will be limited in Detroit for backfield touches. The clock was already ticking for Vaki, who failed to establish himself in his first two years in the league.
Unless he returns quickly from his injury and starts building momentum right away, Vaki may find himself further down the depth chart.
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