Jefferson is expected to serve as the top backup to D'Andre Swift in Sunday's game against the Eagles with No. 2 running back Jamaal Williams (thigh) inactive for the contest, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Beyond Swift and Williams, none of the Lions' other running backs have played an offensive snap this season, as Jefferson (nine) and Godwin Igwebuike (116) have seen all their reps on special teams to date. Jefferson shouldn't be expected to handle Williams' typical snap share -- which has ranged between 29 and 39 percent in all but one of the Lions' seven games -- but the seventh-round rookie out of Oregon State looks like he'll at least be the next man up when Swift requires a breather.

Jefferson (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's contest at Green Bay.

EDGE Analysis

For the second consecutive week to start his career, the 2021 seventh-round pick will be a healthy scratch. As a result, Godwin Igwebuike will handle a special teams role and act as the third running back in the event one of D'Andre Swift (groin) or Jamaal Williams (chest) needs a breather.

Jefferson (coach's decision) is inactive for the Lions' season opener Sunday versus the 49ers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie seventh-round pick will have to wait at least one week to make his NFL debut after the Lions elected to keep D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Godwin Igwebuike as their active running backs for Week 1. While Jefferson is more likely than Igwebuike to see snaps and touches on offense if one of Swift or Williams misses time this season, Igwebuike -- who contributes on special teams -- may end up dressing more frequently than Jefferson when all four backs are available.

Jefferson gained 43 yards on 11 carries while catching his only target for five yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Colts.

EDGE Analysis

Getting the start for the Lions in their final tuneup before Week 1, Jefferson led the team in rushing yards and rushing attempts. D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams remain locked into the top two spots on the depth chart, but if Swift sees a limited workload in the opener against San Francisco, Jefferson could see enough touches to have some value in deep fantasy formats.

Jefferson rushed three times for 22 yards during Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Getting the start with D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams in street clothes, Jefferson showed a little more wiggle than he did in the opener last week against Buffalo. However, as the rookie seems locked into Detroit's No. 3 job at running back, it is likely that Jefferson's preseason snaps may be over. If so, look for Dedrick Mills, Godwin Igwebuike and Craig Reynolds to carry the load in the finale next Friday against Indianapolis.

Jefferson (ankle) rushed four times for seven yards and caught his lone target for one yard in Friday's 16-15 preseason loss to the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Jefferson didn't find much running room, but at least the rookie seventh-round pick was able to suit up after recently battling an ankle injury. Jamaal Williams got the start with D'Andre Swift (groin) out but managed only 15 yards on nine carries, and Detroit's most effective running back was Craig Reynolds in the fourth quarter. Now healthy, Jefferson should see an expanded role in Week 2 of preseason action against Pittsburgh.

Coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that Jefferson will miss practice due to his ankle injury, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Campbell said the Lions "do not think it's serious" with regard to Jefferson's injury, adding that "it doesn't look like it's a high ankle [sprain]." That said, it's looking like the rookie seventh-round pick's availability for Friday's preseason game against the Bills could be in danger. If Jefferson can't go Friday, or is limited, all of Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike will be candidates to see increased work.

Jefferson left Monday's practice due to a leg injury, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jefferson had a strong start to camp and was expected to have a large role in Friday's preseason opener against the Bills as he competes for the No. 3 running back role ahead of Week 1. The severity of the rookie's injury isn't yet known, but Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike could see increased work if Jefferson is limited or held out Friday.

Jefferson is off to a great start to training camp, strengthening his case for the third spot on the depth chart, according to Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic.

EDGE Analysis

Jefferson finished the second week of training camp in the driver's seat for the No. 3 role, ahead of Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike. With lead back D'Andre Swift (groin) absent from Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage, Jamaal Williams worked with the first-team offense while Jefferson repped with the second-stringers, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The rookie seventh-round pick figures to make his NFL debut Friday night in Detroit's preseason opener against Buffalo.

Jefferson started to come on strong at the end of the offseason program, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Jefferson apparently was most impressive in the passing game, and it sounds like he has distanced himself from Michael Warren and Dedrick Mills for the Lions' No. 3 running back job ahead of training camp. However, it's hard to imagine that the seventh-round rookie will be challenging D'Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams for a significant role with the first-team offense anytime soon.