As the Detroit Lions gear up for their preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, they’ve made a roster move designed to shake things up a bit. The team has signed running back Jacob Saylors to add depth to their backfield, while waiving rookie tight end Luke Deal with an injury designation.
This decision comes just days before the Lions take the field in their first preseason matchup, with both players’ futures with the team hanging in the balance. Saylors, a former standout in the United Football League (UFL), will be looking to make an impression on the Lions’ coaching staff, while Deal, a blocking tight end out of Auburn, is left to wait and heal after what has been a brief stint with the team.
Luke Deal: A Brief Stay in Detroit
Luke Deal’s time with the Lions came to a sudden end after he was waived with an injury designation. Deal had joined the team as a tryout player during rookie minicamp, and though he had not made a major impact in practices, his skill set as a blocking tight end had earned him an opportunity to compete for a roster spot. Unfortunately, an injury kept him from fully showcasing his abilities, leading to his release just before the team embarks on their preseason journey.
A member of Auburn’s football program, Deal was known for his strong blocking ability, which made him an intriguing option for a team like the Lions, who have placed a premium on running the ball and establishing a physical presence in the trenches. However, despite his potential, the injury ultimately kept him from securing a more prominent role in Detroit’s crowded tight end room. With other options ahead of him on the depth chart, including veterans and higher-profile rookies, Deal’s road to a spot on the roster was always going to be difficult.
Now, as Deal’s future with the Lions remains uncertain, his primary focus will be on recovering from his injury and getting back to full health. The door may not be fully closed on his career in Detroit, but for now, he’s no longer part of the team’s immediate plans.
Jacob Saylors: A Fresh Opportunity
Jacob Saylors, on the other hand, comes to the Lions with a fresh chance to prove his worth. The 25-year-old running back is no stranger to bouncing around the NFL, having spent time with several teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns. Despite his experience with these NFL franchises, Saylors has yet to appear in a regular-season game at the professional level. However, he’s been making waves in the UFL this spring, where he played for the St. Louis Battlehawks and impressed with his performance.
In his stint with the Battlehawks, Saylors made a name for himself as one of the league’s most productive running backs, rushing for 499 yards and scoring five touchdowns. His ability to produce in a professional league, even one outside the NFL, caught the attention of the Lions, who are always on the lookout for potential contributors to their roster.
While Saylors’ experience with the NFL teams he’s been a part of hasn’t led to regular-season action, his success in the UFL speaks to his determination and talent. The Lions’ running back room is currently led by established players like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, but the competition for spots behind them remains open. With an intriguing mix of speed, power, and vision, Saylors could provide the Lions with valuable depth at the position and add to their options as they look to refine their offense in 2025.
Saylors’ signing gives the Lions a new weapon to evaluate in camp, and his impressive UFL performance will certainly have earned him a closer look from the coaching staff. Although he faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on the regular-season roster, he’ll have the chance to prove that his breakout spring wasn’t a fluke. The Lions have been working hard to build depth throughout their roster, and adding a player like Saylors could help them solidify their offensive balance and provide more competition in the backfield.
What’s Next for the Lions?
As the Lions prepare for their upcoming preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, the focus will now shift to making sure the team is set for the long haul. The preseason games are an opportunity for players to prove themselves and fight for a spot on the 53-man roster, and the Lions will be keeping a close eye on both veterans and newcomers as they evaluate their talent.
For Saylors, the opportunity to make a mark during the preseason is crucial. He’s joining a backfield that already features established names, but the Lions’ coaching staff has shown a willingness to give players a fair shot. The preseason games will be his chance to showcase his skills in live action and potentially earn a spot on the roster or, at the very least, secure a place on the practice squad.
As for Deal, his injury and subsequent release make his future with the team uncertain, but the Lions could opt to bring him back once he’s fully recovered. In the meantime, the team will continue to focus on refining their roster and evaluating their options, both in the trenches and in the skill positions.
A Competitive Roster Looms
The Lions have made it clear that they are building a competitive roster, and every move they make is in pursuit of improving their chances for success. The signing of Saylors and the waiving of Deal is a reflection of the team’s commitment to depth and competition, ensuring that every player is given a fair shot to contribute.
As the Lions move closer to the regular season, they’ll need to make tough decisions to shape their final roster. For players like Saylors, this could be the start of an exciting new chapter in their careers, while for others, like Deal, it’s a reminder of just how competitive life in the NFL can be. The preseason will serve as a proving ground for many, and the results of these games will go a long way in determining who will be part of the Lions’ journey in 2025.
For now, it’s clear that the Detroit Lions are committed to improving their depth, and Jacob Saylors has a real chance to carve out a role on the team. The road ahead won’t be easy, but with his determination and strong performances in the UFL, he’s certainly earned the opportunity to prove himself at the highest level.