Jermar Jefferson has been waiting for over three years for another chance to play.
The Detroit Lions running back, who last appeared in a regular-season game during his rookie year in 2021, may have the opportunity to take the field this Sunday after being elevated from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday.
Following a knee injury to running back David Montgomery during the Lions’ 48-42 defeat to Buffalo last weekend, Montgomery is expected to miss at least the last three games of the regular season. Jefferson is eager to demonstrate his abilities when the Lions face off against the Chicago Bears.
“What do they say in the NFL? When one goes down, the next man steps up. I definitely have that next-man-up mentality and have been ready for this chance for a long time,” Jefferson told reporters. “With David out, I’m hoping to have a significant role. We’ll see. I plan to make the most of any opportunity I have out there.”
Jefferson last participated in a regular-season game during the Lions’ 30-12 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 15 of 2021, where he carried the ball five times for nine yards. That season, he played in seven games, totaling 15 rushing attempts for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
The Lions still have their starting running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, who has rushed for 1,047 yards and scored 11 touchdowns this season. Backups Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki are also ready to contribute, but Jefferson stood out during training camp with his athleticism.
“Jermar has incredible short-area quickness and good vision in the run game,” said Lions running backs coach Scottie Montgomery to reporters. “He did an outstanding job in camp, creating many explosive plays. He may have actually generated the most explosive plays in real running situations during camp. He performed really well for us.”
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