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The Detroit Lions were connected to multiple veteran running backs going into Week 7. The Lions then did nothing to silence that rumor mill against the Baltimore Ravens.
In fact, the Lions may have an even bigger need in the offensive backfield after Week 7.
So, once again, the Lions were encouraged to target veteran Leonard Fournette in free agency this week.
“While they do have rookie Jahmyr Gibbs to turn to, the Lions will be missing a true power back without Montgomery, and Fournette could fill in as the offense’s bruiser in the red zone with his 34 career rushing touchdowns,” the Bleacher Report NFL staff wrote.
“Also, Mohamed Ibrahim underwent immediate surgery after suffering a hip injury during yesterday’s game.”
The Lions signed Ibrahim to the practice squad to help the team overcome the loss of Montgomery. But Ibrahim needed surgery after dislocating a hip on October 22.
In addition to Ibrahim, the Lions are without starter David Montgomery and depth running back Zonovan Knight. Fortunately, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs returned from injury in Week 7.
At 28 years old, Fournette, who signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of the 2022 season, would bring plenty of experience to Detroit.
How Leonard Fournette Could Fit With the Lions
USA Today’s Lions Wire’s Max Gerber essentially suggested Fournette as a last resort target for Detroit to replace Montgomery, who left Week 6 because of a rib injury.
Gerber argued that Fournette “might be” Detroit’s “best bet” if Montgomery had to go on injured reserve because of his rib.
“Former first-round pick Leonard Fournette is still on the market despite several strong seasons with Tampa Bay,” Gerber wrote. “Injuries have been a concern for him, but Detroit needs all the help they can possibly get at running back right now.
“With 79 career starts and two 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, he’s the most talented and experienced running back still available.”
Montgomery hasn’t gone on injured reserve. He theoretically has a chance to play in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and even if he doesn’t, the Lions will then have a bye in Week 9.
But it doesn’t look like the Lions will have Knight or Ibrahim back any time soon. Knight is out for the season with a shoulder injury.
That simply doesn’t leave Detroit with many healthy bodies at running back.
Fournette has never played a full season in his career, as he’s battled injuries himself. But his experience should be useful for Detroit until Montgomery returns.
Fournette has rushed for 4,478 yards and 34 touchdowns in his NFL career. He’s also posted 312 catches for 2,219 yards and 7 additional scores in 79 games.
Last season for the Buccaneers, Fournette gained more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage while rushing for 668 yards.
Other RB Depth Options for Lions
Fournette began his NFL career as the No. 4 overall pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2017 NFL draft. In two of his first three seasons, he rushed for 1,000 yards.
Then in his first season with the Buccaneers during 2020, he helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl. That playoff experience should be attractive to a Lions, who don’t have much previous January success on the roster.
But there are other running back options the Lions could pursue besides Fournette.
Last week, Detroit elected to sign a familiar running back in Ibrahim. If the team again prioritizes familiarity, Jermar Jefferson, Benny Snell and Greg Bell are the obvious choices. All three backs spent time with the Lions during the preseason and are available in free agency.
If the Lions are searching for outside options with more experience like Fournette, Mark Ingram, J.D. McKissic and Rex Burkhead are other veteran running backs who are available in free agency.
All three backs are at least 29 and shouldn’t be counted on to lead a backfield at this point in their careers. But any three could supply veteran experience on the depth chart.
McKissic and Burkhead would be particularly interesting targets if the Lions are searching for a veteran back best suited for a pass-catching role.
Whether it’s any of the mentioned options or someone else, the Lions will likely need to add another running back before Week 8.
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