The Detroit Lions have nothing to worry about when it comes to running backs, as they have some of the best in the NFL with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. But, why not make the running back game even stronger for the Lions?
Rookie Sione Vaki is showing his stuff in the preseason, and there’s nothing wrong with that. While Vaki likely won’t see much playing time once the regular season kicks in, with how well he’s playing right now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Dan Campbell and company give him the nod for some game time.
Dan Campbell Praises Sione Vaki
During the Detroit Lions’ preseason loss to the Giants on Aug. 8, Vaki averaged 7.3 yards per carry. It was one of the bright spots in the otherwise dismal game. Vaki also had a great game in the Lions’ second preseason game Aug. 17 against the Chiefs, in which Detroit won 24-23. During that game, he got the ball 10 times with 6 rushes and 4 receptions for 82 yards. That also includes four catches for 60 yards on a 15-play, 83-yard scoring drive in the first half.
“The more you learn about a player and the faster you figure out what they can do, the better off it is for everybody,” head coach Dan Campbell said regarding Vaki following the game (via DetroitLions.com). “We already felt like this kid is going to have the ability to play special teams. So now it’s like, ‘Well, can you use him on offense? Is there a place?'”
Campbell added, “He’s a lot further along in that (passing) part of the game than he is just carrying the football and a lot of that is just he hasn’t done it.”
Rookie Sione Vaki Also Has the Respect of His Peers
Vaki has the respect of his fellow players, too.
“He’s amazing,” quarterback Hendon Hooker said of Vaki following the game. “And very smart as well to be a young guy coming in and making plays. You saw some different shifty moves, too. It’s very cool to see his growth.”
Saturday’s game against the Chiefs was also a big one for Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, who kicked a game-winning 43-yard field goal. It wasn’t a perfect game for Bates, though, as the kicker missed an extra point earlier in the game.
“It feels good to make kicks,” Bates said following the Chiefs game. “Obviously, I can’t have that (missed) extra point happen. I can’t put our offense in that situation where they have to go for two in the fourth to tie it. So, just keep getting better and never settling is big. But making kicks is always fun.”
The Detroit Lions’ 2024 regular season will get going on Sunday, September 8, at 8:20 p.m. Eastern time at Ford Field in Detroit against the Los Angeles Rams.