Should I Start Sione Vaki?

Friday, October 9, 4:26 PM

Across four games in 2026, Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki has recorded 92 scrimmage yards on 13 touches. The 25-year-old saw a season-high seven touches in Detroit's Week 3 win over the New York Jets, but he logged just one catch and did not earn a single carry in the Lions' Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers. Vaki is stuck on the Detroit depth chart behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs, who currently leads the NFL in touches. With Gibbs healthy heading into Detroit's Week 5 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, Vaki remains highly unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. Arizona also currently ranks 32nd in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed, which could lead to lower rush volume in general for the Lions. Vaki is worth stashing as a handcuff running back, but he remains tough for fantasy managers to trust as a starter in Week 5.