Jacob Saylors

Detroit Lions
Running Back

Personal

Age	25
Birthdate	March 8, 2001
Height	5'10"
Weight	199 lb

Draft

College	East Tennessee State
Year	2023
Pick	UDFA
Team	CIN

Fantasy Value

Week 1 Projections
Carries	Yards	Touchdowns
3.39	13.92	0.1

You can see where those projections compare to other RBs in our Running Back Rankings.

Player News

Jacob Saylors: Jacob Saylors Remains a Stash-Worthy Running Back in Week 1

Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors appears poised to open the year as his team's RB2 behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs. Saylors appeared in 16 games for Detroit in 2025 but saw most of his action on special teams, recording just 11 rushing yards on two carries. However, with Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (back, knee) on Injured Reserve, Saylors will likely be the one to spell Gibbs when he needs a breather early in the season. In Week 1, Saylors and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were around league-average as a rush defense in 2025, ranking 19th in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). Still, while Saylors will likely see a few touches and some third-down snaps, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload as long as Gibbs remains healthy. Saylors is worth rostering as a handcuff running back option, but fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 1.

Sep. 12, 2026 6:09 AM EST