Vaki (leg) turned five carries for 30 yards while adding two catches (on four targets) for minus-two yards during the Lions' 24-17 preseason loss to the Dolphins on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Vaki missed the Lions' first two exhibition games due to a leg injury. He was cleared to play in Saturday's contest and worked with the offense for the first half before sitting for the second. The 2024 fourth-rounder is battling Craig Reynolds and Jacob Saylors for the Lions' RB3 spot behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Vaki will use the upcoming week in practice and the Lions' preseason finale against the Texans on Saturday, Aug. 23 to make his case for a spot on the team's 53-man roster.

Vaki (leg) is in uniform and is taking part in special-teams warmups leading up to Saturday's preseason matchup versus Miami, Richard Silva of The Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

A leg injury prevented Vaki from taking part in Detroit's first two exhibition contests, but it appears the second-year running back could play Saturday. Vaki has been practicing this week, and if he does get cleared to play against the Dolphins, he could get an extended look. His ability to take the field could be a significant development in his quest to earn the Lions' No. 3 RB role, for which he's competing with Craig Reynolds.

Vaki (leg) did not play in Friday's preseason game against the Falcons, Christian Booher of SI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vaki injured his leg near the start of training camp, and while he's been able to practice in a limited capacity, he was not cleared to play in Friday's contest. The rookie fourth-rounder is battling Craig Reynolds and Jabari Small for the RB3 job behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Vaki will look to increase his practice participation over the coming week in order to be given the green light to play against the Dolphins on Saturday, Aug. 16.

Vaki (leg) returned to practice Monday and participated in individual drills and walkthroughs, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Vaki missed roughly one week of training camp activities due to a leg injury, but he's now returned to on-field work in a limited capacity. The 2024 fourth-round pick suited up for 16 regular-season games as a rookie but totaled just 51 yards on offense, though he also has the versatility to contribute at safety and on special teams, which boosts his odds of being able to secure a depth role.

Vaki left practice Monday due to a leg injury, Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The exact nature and severity of the injury have yet to be determined. Vaki is competing for a depth role in Detroit's backfield after notching only 51 total yards on offense in his rookie regular season. The 2024 fourth-round draft pick can also play safety and is expected to contribute on special teams once healthy.

Vaki appeared in 16 of the Lions' 17 games during the regular season, finishing with six carries for 14 yards and three catches for 37 yards. He was also active for the Lions' 45-31 divisional-round loss to the Commanders on Saturday, playing all 24 of his snaps on special teams.

EDGE Analysis

Though Vaki excelled at both safety and running during his time in college at Utah, the Lions drafted him in the fourth round of April's draft with the intention of making him a full-time running back. He saw limited action on offense as a rookie while Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery took on the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield, but Vaki's established himself as a core member of Detroit's special-teams units. In addition to returning two kickoffs for 55 yards, Vaki recorded eight tackles over his 310 special-teams snaps. With both Gibbs and Montgomery under contract for 2025, Vaki's role on offense may not expand dramatically in his second NFL season.

Vaki rushed the ball five times for nine yards in Sunday's 52-6 win over the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Vaki entered the game in the fourth quarter with the Lions well out in front, turning a career-high five carries into nine yards. The rookie remains an extreme depth option in Detroit's backfield, playing only nine offensive snaps before Sunday's blowout victory.

Vaki (knee) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

The 2024 fourth-round pick from Utah missed the Lions' Week 9 win over the Packers due to a knee injury. However, Vaki appears to have moved past the knee issue following Wednesday's full practice. Now that he's returned to full health, expect Vaki to play almost strictly on special teams in the Lions' Week 10 matchup against the Texans.

Vaki (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's game against the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Vaki looked to be on his way to being available Sunday after logging a full practice Thursday, but he was tagged as doubtful after not practicing Friday. The rookie fourth-round pick's next chance at suiting up will be Week 10 against the Texans on Sunday, Nov. 10. David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds will be the Lions' three running backs for Sunday's contest.

Vaki (knee) is listed as doubtful ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Packers.

EDGE Analysis

Vaki appeared to have moved past his knee issue after recording a full practice session Thursday. However, he downgraded to a DNP on Friday and will likely miss the Lions' Week 9 divisional matchup. With Vaki expected to be sidelined Sunday, Detroit's running back room will likely consist of David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds.