The Detroit Lions have their eyes on a former Green Bay Packers running back and draft pick after losing one of their own backs to an injury at training camp.
According to the NFL’s official transaction wire for July 24, the Lions hosted former Packers running back Lew Nichols III on Thursday for a free-agent visit. Nichols hit the market earlier this week after the Philadelphia Eagles waived him from their roster.
The Lions did not sign Nichols to a contract before letting him leave the building, but they could circle back to him in the coming days if they decide to add more depth to their running back room. The possibility exists after second-year running back Sione Vaki exited practice Monday with a hamstring injury and stay out through Thursday.
Injury Undermined Lew Nichols’ Time With Packers
Nichols’ history with the rival Packers makes his name stand out more on the workouts and visits list, but the Lions would be betting on upside with him over his resume.
While Nichols had eyes on competing for the No. 3 role in the Packers’ running back rotation coming into his 2023 rookie season, he missed the majority of training camp with a shoulder injury. He did not appear in any of the team’s three preseason games, eventually landing on injured reserve before the Packers released him with an injury settlement before the start of the regular season.
In the two seasons since, Nichols has spent time on and off the Eagles’ practice squad, but he has yet to play his first career NFL snap on either offense or special teams.
Even still, Nichols had some dynamic moments at Central Michigan. In 2021, he rushed for 1,848 yards and 16 touchdowns in 13 games, good for an extraordinary 142.2 yards per game. He also caught 40 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns the same year.
If the Lions believe Nichols still has potential, he could make sense as a signing.
Lions Could Sign Another RB After Sione Vaki Injury
Whether the Lions sign Nichols or keep looking at other available free agents, it would make sense for them to sign someone at the position if they are worried about Vaki.
Vaki — a 2024 fourth-round pick — did not see much action as a rookie behind Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery and Craig Reynolds, recording six carries for 14 yards and three receptions for 37 yards in 16 games. He also made an impact on his 310 special-teams snaps, notching eight tackles and a forced fumble and returning two kickoffs.
After the spring, Vaki had been expected to compete with Reynolds for the No. 3 role in the rotation for the forthcoming season, but his injury could set him back if he misses too much time. Lower-body injuries, especially hamstrings, can lead to lingering issues.
Even if Vaki’s outlook is encouraging, the Lions may still seek out another camp body.
Will Another Lions RB Rise to the Occasion Instead?
Nichols’ visit indicates the Lions are at least exploring the possibility of signing another running back to their camp roster. Even if they do, though, the Lions may find that one of their current options is more than capable of rising to the occasion in Vaki’s absence.
The Lions have two other running backs vying for reps in the rotation outside of Vaki and Reynolds: second-year Jabari Small and undrafted rookie Kye Robichaux.
The Lions signed the six-foot, 213-pound Robichaux to a UDFA deal in early May after watching him rush for 1,524 yards and 18 touchdowns for Boston College over the past two seasons. Small is a more recent signing (July 18), but he does have more familiarity in the NFL after spending the 2024 season on the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.
Now, Robichaux or Small would need to exceed expectations to legitimately compete for a spot on the Lions’ roster, but they will have more opportunities for however long Vaki spends on the sideline nursing his hamstring injury.
Lions Bring in Former Packers RB for Free-Agent Visit