Lions Add Depth to Backfield with New UFL Signing
The Detroit Lions have bolstered their running back depth by signing Deon Jackson following the conclusion of their second preseason game.
Reports on Sunday confirmed that Jackson, a veteran running back, is joining the Lions. Since entering the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021, Jackson has played for three teams, including the Colts, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants. His most recent NFL action came in 2023.
Over his career, Jackson has appeared in 29 games, recording 283 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 95 carries. His most productive season came in 2022 with the Colts, where he logged 236 yards and one touchdown on 68 carries across 16 games.
A former standout at Duke, Jackson finished his college career with 2,267 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns over four seasons.
Before joining the Lions, Jackson played for the D.C. Defenders in the UFL, where he was one of several UFL players Detroit has signed this offseason. Other UFL alumni now on the Lions roster include Nick Whiteside, Jacob Saylors, and Steven Stilianos.
Jackson’s addition strengthens the Lions’ backfield as he competes for a spot, likely against Sione Vaki, Jabari Small, and Saylors. While Vaki, the 2024 fourth-round pick, is considered a frontrunner, he has yet to play in the preseason due to injury. Vaki’s potential as a special teams contributor remains valuable, but his absence has highlighted the need for additional depth.
In his time with the Defenders last season, Jackson rushed for 417 yards and four touchdowns over 10 regular-season games. He added another 156 yards and four touchdowns in two playoff games.
With starting running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery sidelined during the preseason and Vaki still recovering from injury, Craig Reynolds has seen significant action in the first two preseason games. In Detroit’s most recent game against the Falcons, Saylors led the team with 35 yards on nine carries.
Jackson’s NFL experience adds a veteran presence to a competitive backfield as the Lions prepare for their upcoming preseason games, including a matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Saturday. The two teams will also hold joint practices on Wednesday and Thursday in Allen Park.
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