What Justin Jackson’s Retirement Means for Lions’ Running Backs Room
Justin Jackson appeared to be snatching up the third running back slot for the Detroit Lions early in training camp.
Even though Jackson was only the Lions’ third-string running back last season, he was a major contributor to their success in that capacity. In 2022, he recorded 42 carries for 170 yards and one score as a returner, and he made a contribution on special teams.
He appeared to be the front-runner to reclaim his position in 2023 when he resigned one day before training camp this summer. That all changed on Thursday, though, when it was announced that he had resigned from the NFL and been placed on the reserve/retired list.
The Lions’ need for a third running back and kick returner as a result of this news might alter the roster makeup. Regarding these two crucial positions, Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell will have a lot of decisions to make as they narrow down their roster to a final 53 players.
Devine Ozigbo and Benny Snell are the two running backs that Holmes has added to his roster in the last few days. Having accumulated 982 yards, seven touchdowns, and 275 carries during his career, Snell has more experience than the other player.
Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, and undrafted rookie Mohamed Ibrahim are among the team’s current members. Reynolds has contributed throughout the last two seasons, but not particularly well.
Despite spending the whole previous season on the practice squad, Jefferson showed promise when given the opportunity in 2021.
After Reynolds was injured last season, Jackson was able to go from the practice squad to the active roster. Reynolds had initially taken the place.
The Lions will probably evaluate their alternatives and search for a player who can spell David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in addition to handling return responsibilities. Snell has experience; during his career, the former back for the Steelers has made four returns for 38 yards.
A fourth-round pick in 2019, Snell has played in 63 games, with five starts in his career. Last season, Pro Football Focus gave him an 81.1 rushing grade, which ranked first on the Steelers. He carried the ball 20 times in 2022 for 90 yards, while serving as the backup to Najee Harris.
Snell was also the highest-graded offensive player for Pittsburgh last season, with an overall grade of 84.0.
Ozigbo is another intriguing addition, as he has been predominantly a special teamer. Last season as a member of the Denver Broncos, he earned a 53.5 overall offensive grade and a 52.3 rushing grade.
At 6-foot-2, 225 pounds, he is the tallest and heaviest of the running backs on the roster. This could give him an advantage over the others in short-yardage situations.
For comparison, Reynolds was graded at a 71.1, in terms of rushing, and earned a 68.9 overall offensive grade. Jefferson, meanwhile, posted a 67.6 rushing grade in 2021.
The Lions have several options to claim their third running back spot. Though Snell is a late addition, he may wind up having the same impact that Jackson had a season ago.
However, Reynolds and company aren’t going to go down softly. The coming weeks should feature a strong battle between the aforementioned candidates for one of the final roster spots.