Needs to improve on special teams
Running backs coach Duce Staley indicated that Jefferson could see more playing time if he can improve on special teams, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Jefferson averaged over 19 carries per game over three seasons as the offensive centerpiece at Oregon State from 2018 to 2020, but he barely saw the field as a rookie. Meanwhile, converted safety Godwin Igwebuike was active every week due to his special-teams contributions and Craig Reynolds eventually worked his way up the depth chart as well. Jefferson ultimately seems to have an uphill battle for a roster spot, but it is nonetheless worth tracking the No. 3 running back job in Detroit considering the coaching staff was willing to give Reynolds 26 carries in a game that D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams both missed last season.
More Detroit Lions Fantasy Football News
David Montgomery
RB | DET
Dealing with minor injury
Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Montgomery (undisclosed) won't practice but isn't dealing with anything serious, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
David Montgomery
RB | DET
Exits practice early
Montgomery left Thursday's practice early due to injury, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
Jameson Williams
WR | DET
Making progress entering Year 2
Coach Dan Campbell said Thursday that Williams (suspension) is "miles ahead of where he was last year" and praised his activity in OTAs, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
Jahmyr Gibbs
RB | DET
Bothered by ankle at rookie camp
Gibbs suffered a minor ankle injury Friday and won't practice Saturday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.
Hendon Hooker
QB | DET
Headed for redshirt year
Head coach Dan Campbell does not expect Hooker (knee) to play during his rookie year, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "Really, this is a redshirt year for him," Campbell said. "He's got to get this leg right first and then he'll learn under Jared (Goff), and then let's see what happens. If he can eventually become your two or maybe down the road, later on, it's more than that, but it's going to be a long time."
Jared Goff
QB | DET
Could get contract extension
GM Brad Holmes said Tuesday that the Lions have had "internal dialogue" about signing Goff to a contract extension, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Brock Wright
TE | DET
Joined by high draft pick
Wright sits atop a depth chart that now features rookie Sam LaPorta, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.
Antoine Green
WR | DET
Joins Detroit WR corps
The Lions selected Green in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, 219th overall.
Hendon Hooker
QB | DET
Detroit ends fall in Round 3
The Lions selected Hooker (knee) in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 68th overall.
Sam LaPorta
TE | DET
Going to Detroit
The Lions selected LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 34th overall.