Lions Turn to Vaki as Pacheco Sits Out
Sione Vaki carried 11 times for 65 yards in Detroit's 19-15 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Nov. 1.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Football
The Detroit Lions beat the Minnesota Vikings 19-15 on Sunday, Nov. 1, with running back Sione Vaki carrying the ball 11 times for 65 yards. Detroit turned to Vaki as a running back after Isiah Pacheco was placed on injured reserve.
Why it matters
With Pacheco out until at least December, Vaki's expanded role opens a larger share of the Lions' backfield work for a player who entered the game with 74 yards on 23 rushes across 33 career appearances. His performance gives Detroit a second option in the run game during Pacheco's absence.
Vaki recorded three rushes of 10 or more yards, tying Arizona's Tyler Allgeier for sixth most in the NFL in Week 8, and forced a career-best four missed tackles. He has played 124 special teams snaps this season, tied for second most on the team.
The players
Sione Vaki
Vaki is a Lions running back and special teams player who was drafted in the fourth round in 2024.
Isiah Pacheco
Pacheco is a running back who was placed on injured reserve, sidelining him until at least December.
The details
Vaki was a fourth-round draft pick in 2024 and has played 642 special teams snaps under coordinator Dave Fipp. The Lions turned to him at running back on Sunday at Ford Field as Pacheco remained on injured reserve.
Timeline
Sunday, Nov. 1: Lions defeat Vikings 19-15 at Ford Field.
At least December: Pacheco expected to return from injured reserve.
Season Trajectory
Scottie Montgomery coached Detroit's running backs during the 2023-24 season before he was traded to the Houston Texans this offseason. Vaki's Week 9 breakout now shapes how the Lions manage their running back room with Pacheco sidelined.
Vaki's expanded role affects fantasy projections for Detroit's backfield while Pacheco is out. The Lions' running back usage for the rest of the season now depends on whether Vaki keeps the workload he showed against Minnesota.
The takeaway
Vaki's Sunday performance shows Detroit has depth behind Pacheco that could carry the backfield until he returns. Readers tracking the Lions should watch how the team divides carries in the coming weeks.
What happens next
Pacheco is expected to return from injured reserve in December, which will reshape the Lions' running back rotation.
Further reading
For more on Detroit's team and its roster moves, see Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Detroit News.
