Predicting which Detroit Lions RBs will make the initial 53-man roster

The Detroit Lions had one of the best backfields in the NFL last season, as David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs both thrived en route to Detroit owning the fifth-best rushing attack in the NFL in 2023.

Despite splitting work, Montgomery and Gibbs both surpassed 1,000 yards from scrimmage, and Gibbs was just 55 yards shy of giving Detroit two 1,000-yard rushers.

Making their numbers even more impressive is the fact that Montgomery and Gibbs missed three and two games, respectively. Both are capable of having monster seasons if they can play a full 17 in 2024.

While Detroit's first two spots on the depth chart are settled, it remains to be seen who will fill in behind them and in what order, which will lead to a competition at the position in training camp.

Here's how we see things shaking out on the Lions' initial 53-man roster out of training camp.

Lions 53-man prediction at RB

RB1: David Montgomery

We have Montgomery listed as the "RB1" here, but that's just a formality. He's going to be splitting work with Jahmyr Gibbs once again, something that became more prevalent as the 2023 campaign progressed and Gibbs got more comfortable.

General manager Brad Holmes said Gibbs will see a bigger role in 2024, but that will likely come in the form of more usage in the passing game, where Montgomery didn't see a ton of work in his first season in Detroit.

Montgomery, who broke 1,000 yards last season despite missing three games, will remain the primary option in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and he'll be the go-to back when Detroit needs to run out the clock with a lead.

RB2: Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs wasn't utilized a ton early on last season, but that changed as the campaign went on. He proved to be an explosive playmaker, both as a rusher and receiver, and he's primed to take a step forward in 2024.

The Lions are looking to put more on Gibbs' plate this coming season, which will likely come in the form of him being utilized more as a receiver rather than him dominating carries.

Whatever the case may be, Gibbs will be a big part of Detroit's offense, and in more ways than one.

RB3: Craig Reynolds

While the Lions are set atop the depth chart, things remain uncertain behind Gibbs and Montgomery. Reynolds is the elder statesman of the depth options and is the favorite to serve as the first man off the bench at the position.

However, he isn't as much of a lock to be the No. 3 back on the depth chart after what we saw from one of Detroit's draft picks during the offseason program.

RB4: Sione Vaki

Vaki managed to stand out during spring practices, mostly because of his ability as a receiver. But if he wants to be the No. 3 back over Reynolds and get the scraps Gibbs and Montgomery leave behind (and particularly on third downs), Vaki is going to have to prove to be reliable in pass protection.

Because of his status as a recent fourth-round pick, Vaki is going to make the roster no matter what, and he's going to have a role on special teams, where he could even serve as a returner.

But what spot he grabs on the depth chart and how much work he sees the field on offense in his first season remains up in the air. For now, we have him as the No. 4 back, but that could change as the season wears on.