Vaki rushed the ball five times for nine yards in Sunday's 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Vaki entered the game in the fourth quarter with the Lions well out in front, turning a career-high five carries into nine yards. The rookie remains an extreme depth option in Detroit's backfield, playing only nine offensive snaps before Sunday's blowout victory.
Unlock the latest Detroit Lions news — direct to your inbox.
Status
ACTIVELatest Sione Vaki news
Team
Detroit Lions
Birthdate
7/30/2001 (23)
Status
Active
HT/WT
5'11", 213 lbs
Draft Info
2024: Rd 4; Pk (DET)
Birthplace
Antioch, CA, USA
Position
RB
College
Utah
Career History
Detroit Lions
2024-Present
(1 season)
Vaki rushed the ball five times for nine yards in Sunday's 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Vaki entered the game in the fourth quarter with the Lions well out in front, turning a career-high five carries into nine yards. The rookie remains an extreme depth option in Detroit's backfield, playing only nine offensive snaps before Sunday's blowout victory.
Vaki (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. The 2024 fourth-round pick from Utah missed the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers due to a knee injury. However, Vaki appears to have moved past the knee issue following Wednesday's full practice. Now that he's returned to full health, expect Vaki to play almost strictly on special teams in the Lions' Week 10 matchup against the Texans.
Vaki (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers. Vaki looked to be on his way to being available Sunday after logging a full practice Thursday, but he was tagged as doubtful after not practicing Friday. The rookie fourth-round pick's next chance at suiting up will be Week 10 against the Texans on Sunday, Nov. 10. David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds will be the Lions' three running backs for Sunday's contest.
Vaki (knee) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Packers. Vaki appeared to have moved past his knee issue after recording a full practice session Thursday. However, he downgraded to a DNP on Friday and will likely miss the Lions' Week 9 divisional matchup. With Vaki expected to be sidelined Sunday, Detroit's running back room will likely consist of David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds.
Vaki (knee) was a full participant during Thursday's practice. Vaki was held out of Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury he likely picked up during the Lions' Week 8 win over the Titans. The injury doesn't appear to be severe, however, as he was able to practice without limitations Thursday. Barring any setbacks, Vaki will suit up and play in his usual special-teams role against the Packers on Sunday.
Vaki (knee) didn't practice Wednesday, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports. Detroit's No. 4 running back recorded one total tackle across 22 special-teams snaps in Sunday's blowout win; however, it appears he sustained a knee injury in the process. The rookie from Utah could be in jeopardy of missing Week 9's matchup against the Packers if he doesn't upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday.
Vaki failed to log a touch while playing two snaps on offense in Sunday's 26-20 overtime win against the Rams. Vaki was used sparingly in Week 1, seeing the majority of his action on special teams and logging 18 snaps with that unit. Fellow running back Craig Reynolds didn't see any touches either, and Vaki and Reynolds seemingly remain in a battle for the No. 3 role in Detroit's backfield behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Neither depth option carries much fantasy value, barring an injury to Gibbs or Montgomery.
Vaki ran for 22 yards on six carries and caught four passes for 60 yards on four targets in Saturday's preseason game against Kansas City. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Utah seemingly played in the rotation following Craig Reynolds, who took the first touch at running back with Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) and David Montgomery left out of the game. The Lions plan to run often and are expected to keep all four running backs on the roster, and whatever the depth chart placement might be between Vaki and Reynolds at the moment could change over the course of the year. Vaki's pass-catching upside stands out, not just because of his strong showing Saturday but even more so because Vaki turned 14 targets into 11 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns for Utah last year.
Vaki rushed four times for 29 yards and wasn't targeted in Thursday's 14-3 preseason loss to the Giants. He also recovered a fumble. All four of Vaki's carries came on one drive late in the first half, and he also showed good awareness for a rookie by recovering a fumble committed by a Giants defender on an interception return. The versatile fourth-round pick played both safety and running back at Utah, but the Lions have had Vaki concentrate on the latter position to begin his NFL career. He appears to be no higher than fourth on the depth chart behind Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds, who started Thursday's game. Detroit's second preseason game will be next Saturday in Kansas City.