Detroit Lions

Jabari Small

RB

Williams will now need to clear the league's concussion protocol before's he's eligible to return to the field. The 24-year-old rushed for 16 yards on three carries before exiting the game.

Jacob Saylors

RB

Saylors' 5.3 yards per carry and starting role were somewhat overshadowed by a massive mistake. The running back coughed up the ball on the second play of the game, leading to a fumble-six that gave the Commanders an early lead. The 26-year-old recovered well from the error, producing consistently and safely for the rest of the contest. It remains unclear how the Lions' opinion of the second-year rusher will be affected, but with Isiah Pacheco (knee) and Sione Vaki (back) still sidelined with injuries, Saylors will likely remain one of the top options at running back for the time being.

Trayveon Williams

RB

Williams saw an extended run in Saturday's exhibition contest due to the absences of Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco (knee) and Sione Vaki (back). Williams played a pivotal role for the Lions late in the third quarter, when he turned a pass from Joshua Dobbs into 24 yards before ending the seven-play, 48-yard drive with a one-yard rushing touchdown. Williams figures to be a long shot to make the Lions' 53-man roster by the end of training camp, but he could play his way into a spot on the team's practice squad for the start of the 2026 regular season.

Sione Vaki

RB

Vaki was dealing with back spasms, so the team held him out as a precaution. Once healthy again, the 25-year-old is expected to compete with Isiah Pacheco (knee) for the top backup spot behind Jahmyr Gibbs.

Michael Niese

G

Niese had his right leg crushed by a defender in Saturday's contest and is feared to have suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee. The reserve center has been a versatile piece of the Lions' offensive line and will likely need to miss time with the injury.