The Detroit Lions lost a crucial piece of their offense this summer. David Montgomery wasn't just a talented running back. He was the perfect Knuckles to Jahmyr Gibbs' Sonic in one of the NFL's scariest backfields.

Montgomery's departure leaves a significant hole behind Gibbs. However, Dan Campbell already has a plan for replacing him, and it involves two players.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Campbell highlighted Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki. The Lions head coach believes both players can contribute whenever Gibbs needs a breather.

"It's by committee too. Now, Vaki, I see Vaki getting some reps too now. I don't see, okay, well, Saylors is, running back two. Saylors brings special teams value, and there's things that he's been able to do. We've seen more of him than Vaki in games, preseason games, but Vaki has had some pretty good reps in practice. And we know Vaki is a very valuable special teams player too, but we feel like Vaki is ready to take some of this on too as a runner and a pass protector and a receiver. So we feel good with either one of those guys in there when Jahmyr needs a breather."

So, Detroit's RB2 role will operate as a committee. Both players also offer important special teams value, giving Campbell plenty to work with.

It's an experiment that could go one of two ways. Hopefully, it goes the way that ends with the Lions winning games.

Dan Campbell's Lions tipped for Super Bowl success

Detroit is coming off a disappointing 2025 season. The Lions finished last in the NFC North and missed the playoffs despite high expectations.

However, optimism has returned this year. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer believes Detroit could challenge for the Super Bowl, particularly with Jared Goff leading the offense.

Breer believes the Lions can compete with the NFC's best. In fact, he believes they could ultimately find themselves in Inglewood, fighting for the Lombardi Trophy.

Written by

Joseph Nithin