Lions Cut Rising RB Star After Brutal Injury Blow
Detroit Lions Make Running Back Changes Before Final Preseason Game
The Detroit Lions are shaking up their running back room just days before their last preseason game. The team said goodbye to one player, put another on the injured list, and brought in a new face. Let’s break down what happened in simple terms.
What Happened on Monday?
The Lions made three big moves all at once:
- Waived Kye Robichaux – The team cut ties with the running back after he suffered a broken bone in his foot during training camp.
- Placed Raheem Blackshear on Injured Reserve (IR) – The veteran running back is officially out for a while due to injury.
- Signed Roydell Williams – The team brought in a new running back to fill the empty spots.
Important Point: What is "Waived" vs. "Injured Reserve"?
- Waived: The player is released. Other teams have a chance to claim him. If nobody claims him, he becomes a free agent.
- Injured Reserve (IR): The player stays on the team but cannot play for at least four games. It frees up a roster spot for a healthy player.
The Story of Kye Robichaux: Tough Luck, Twice
This is the second year in a row the Lions have parted ways with Robichaux because of an injury.
2025 Season (Last Year)
- Robichaux was a rookie.
- He was waived with an injury designation in August.
- He didn’t make the final roster.
2026 Season (This Year)
- He made it through the first preseason game.
- Injury: He broke a bone in his foot shortly after that game.
- Coach Dan Campbell’s Reaction: "God bless him, dude… looks like he may have broken a bone in that foot."
- Result: Waived on Monday.
His College Background
Before the NFL, Robichaux had a solid college career:
- Schools: Western Kentucky (2 years) + Boston College (2 years).
- Total Stats: 2,342 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns.
- Receiving: 44 catches for 368 yards and 2 touchdowns.
- Final Year (Boston College): 744 yards and 10 touchdowns on 175 carries.
Sione Vaki: The "Injury Bug" Keeps Biting
Robichaux isn’t the only running back hurting. Sione Vaki—a player who also helps on special teams (kickoffs, punts)—has had a rough stretch:
| Injury | What Happened | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Back Spasms | Woke up with a "knot" in his back before Preseason Game 2. | Missed Game 2. Expected to practice this week. |
| Broken Nose | Suffered during a practice. | Healed. |
| Poked Eye | A defender’s hand got under his facemask. | Healed. |
Coach Campbell on Vaki: "We would have loved to have seen him… He wanted to play. But also, he got some really good work coming off of a broke nose, a punched out eye. I think we’re good Vaki for a little bit here. We’ll get this to calm down. He’ll be ready to practice this week, I would anticipate."
Why Did They Sign Roydell Williams?
Simple math: Too many injuries, not enough healthy bodies.
With Robichaux gone, Blackshear on IR, and Vaki banged up, the Lions needed someone who can carry the ball right now in the final preseason game and practices. Williams provides immediate depth.
Summary of Moves
| Player | Move | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Kye Robichaux | Waived | Broken foot bone (2nd straight year cut due to injury). |
| Raheem Blackshear | Injured Reserve (IR) | Undisclosed injury; out minimum 4 games. |
| Roydell Williams | Signed | Added depth for final preseason game. |
| Sione Vaki | Day-to-Day | Back spasms (missed Game 2); recovering from broken nose/eye injury. |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Does "waived" mean Kye Robichaux is retired?
No. Being waived means the Lions released him. He is now a free agent. Once his foot heals, he can sign with any other NFL team (or the Lions’ practice squad if he clears waivers).
2. What is the "PUP List" or "IR"? Are they the same?
They are different.
- PUP (Physically Unable to Perform): For players injured before training camp starts. They don’t count against the roster limit initially.
- IR (Injured Reserve): For players injured during the season/camp. They do count against the roster limit (unless designated for return later), but the team can replace them immediately. Blackshear went on IR.
3. Who is the starting running back for the Lions?
This article focuses on the backup/depth battle. The presumed starter is Jahmyr Gibbs (a star player), with David Montgomery as the other primary back. These moves are about who backs them up.
4. Why does the final preseason game matter for these players?
The final preseason game is often the last chance for "bubble players" (guys on the edge of making the team) to show coaches they belong on the 53-man roster. With Vaki hurt and Robichaux gone, Williams gets a golden opportunity to prove himself in that game.
5. What is "Special Teams" and why does Vaki matter there?
Special Teams = Kickoffs, punts, field goals, and returns. It’s 1/3 of the game! Vaki is valuable because he can play running back AND tackle people on kickoffs. Losing him hurts two phases of the game.
Article based on reporting by Nathan Dougherty, Heavy.com NFL Reporter.