Lions 2026 Training Camp Medical Preview: Running Backs
Can the Lions keep Gibbs healthy in 2026?
The Detroit Lions have a star running back at the top with Jahmyr Gibbs. However, there are a lot of concerns behind him - both in terms of production and health.
If Gibbs stays healthy like he has his whole career, then there is no problem. But if injuries hit, the Lions may end up regretting how the whole David Montgomery situation played out.
Here are the updated concern levels for the running backs as they enter camp.
🟢0-3 Low medical concern
🟡4-6 Moderate medical concern
🔴7-10 High medical concern
(Age at start of season in parentheses.) Click on player name for full medical report if available.
KEY PLAYERS
🟢Jahmyr Gibbs (24)
Medical concern level: 0/10
Gibbs has been extremely healthy throughout his three-year NFL career and is still very young. He has only missed two games due to a hamstring.
OUTLOOK: After taking on an increased role last year (leading to the departure of David Montgomery), Gibbs may see even more of the workload in 2026. The downside of that is the added injury risk. At least new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has acknowledged this issue…
🟡Isiah Pacheco (27)
Medical concern level: 6/10
The Lions basically swapped DMo for IPa(🤔) this offseason. Unfortunately, Pacheco brings along a much higher medical concern level than Montgomery’s 1/10.
In the past four seasons, Pacheco has accumulated a variety of injuries: MCL, fractured fibula, shoulder surgery, concussion, toe/ankle, hand fracture, and more.
OUTLOOK: Pacheco’s production has dipped in recent years. The hope is he can regain health and stay that way throughout this season.
BACKUPS
🟡Sione Vaki (25)
Medical concern level: 4/10
Vaki has not lived up to expectations so far as a RB, and his injuries may have a lot to do with it. In 2025, he had multiple hamstring strains along with a groin injury, which led to six missed games total.
OUTLOOK: While Vaki does a lot of work on special teams, it’s time for him to start showing some value as a RB as he enters his third season.
🟢Jacob Saylors (26)
Medical concern level 1/10
Saylors missed one game last season with a minor back issue. He appeared in 16 games but only had two rushing attempts.
OUTLOOK: Saylors has shown some juice as a kick returner. He may get a chance to see if that special teams juice translates to offense in 2026.
🟡Kye Robichaux (23)
Medical concern level: 4/10
Last year with the Lions, Robichaux missed all season on IR with a shoulder injury suffered in training camp. He has been healthy in the 2026 offseason which is reassuring.
OUTLOOK: Having yet to appear in an NFL game, not much is known about Robichaux. His age is the youngest in the group, which carries a lot of value at the RB position.
🟢Jabari Small (24)
Medical concern level 3/10
Small was with the Lions briefly in 2025 until being waived with an unspecified injury settlement in August. He was re-signed to the practice squad in December. He has yet to appear in a game.
His history includes reports of shoulder surgery in 2023 and a concussion in 2024.
OUTLOOK: Practice squad would seem to be a favorable outcome for Small.