Analyst Vito Chirco of SI on Lions tried to slow the narrative that third-year running back Sione Vaki wouldn’t make the Detroit Lions roster for Dan Campbell this summer. While Vaki doesn’t contribute a lot on offense, he is a valuable special teams asset.
But on Saturday, Chirco also made it rather clear that Vaki won’t be back in Detroit this fall if he doesn’t earn it.
“His special teams contributions might not be enough to earn him a spot on the Lions’ season-opening roster …
“Vaki will be entering the most critical training camp of his career this summer,” wrote Chirco.
“The onus most certainly will be on the young back to prove his worth all over again. And if he does, there will, at the very least, be a spot for him on the Lions’ practice squad to open the season.”
Over two seasons at Utah, Vaki played running back and safety. That versatility caused the Lions to select Vaki at No. 132 overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In two NFL campaigns, Vaki has provided depth at multiple spots but hasn’t filled the stat sheet. He has 55 yards from scrimmage on 10 touches. Vaki has also posted 18 tackles on special teams.
Dan Campbell Hypes Sione Vaki at Lions Minicamp
GettyDetroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell had very strong words for running back Sione Vaki at the team’s minicamp.
Chirco’s argument about the former fourth-rounder being on the chopping block came just a few days after Campbell addressed Vaki at minicamp.
On June 16, the Lions head coach spoke strongly about trying to get Vaki more involved on offense.
“We would love to, he has got ability. He is another guy – you just watch some of the – pound for pound he is one of our best athletes. He is explosive, he’s strong , he’s quick, there are things about him,” Campbell told reporters. “But the running back position is a little raw.
“Yes, he has been in there, he did a little bit in college, this is year three, but he hasn’t played running back, not that much, and a lot of it is injury. And then the other two guys who have been ahead of him.”
It would be a lot easier to justify Vaki’s roster spot if he added more on offense. But he’s essentially been a non-factor for Jared Goff and company for two years.
Vaki will have an opportunity to change that during 2026 training camp. If he doesn’t, though, it still might be a stretch to say Vaki is a cut candidate.
Campbell almost always preaches competition. He did that with starting cornerback Terrion Arnold during minicamp.
But with Vaki, Campbell’s message was getting him more involved — not Vaki having to earn a roster spot.
Fans have to take what coaches say at minicamp with a grain of salt. Based on Campbell’s comments, though, there doesn’t appear to be a question about Vaki’s place with the team.
Lions RB Depth after Minicamp
GettySI on Lions’ Vito Chirco argued third-year running back Sione Vaki is entering a critical training camp for the Detroit Lions.
Campbell blamed the presence of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as a reason for why Vaki hasn’t seen more of an opportunity at running back in his first two seasons.
Montgomery is no longer in Detroit. But it still might not be much easier for Vaki to earn additional playing time on offense.
To pair with Gibbs, the Lions signed free agent Isiah Pacheco this offseason. The Lions also have Jabari Small, Jacob Saylors, and Kye Robichaux on the offseason roster.
Vaki should be able to fare well against those other three running backs. But the Lions possess 13 receivers on the roster, so Vaki could face fierce competition on special teams. The Lions may also only keep three running backs on the initial roster to have more room for an extra wideout.
Vaki is probably safe in Detroit, but he could solidify his spot completely with a strong training camp.
Lions RB Put on Notice Days After Receiving Dan Campbell Hype