Bengals castoff RB Jacob Saylors suddenly has a big role behind Jahmyr Gibbs

As NFL teams finalize their 53-man rosters and practice squads, many former Cincinnati Bengals players have been let go from their teams. 

However, on the positive end of the recent transactions, one former Bengals player has gone from being cut in Cincy to the league’s most valuable backup. 

Now, not only is Jacob Saylors safe in Detroit, but he has also received his head coach's vote of confidence that the former ETSU star can serve as a backup to arguably the best running back in the NFL. 

Saylors' long road out of Cincinnati

Saylors was an undrafted rookie free agent when he arrived in Cincinnati in 2023. After an underwhelming preseason, the Bengals released him during the final cuts.

The running backs who made the roster in 2023 for the Bengals were Joe Mixon, Chris Evans, and Trayveon Williams.

It is funny how sometimes history can repeat itself. 

Williams and Saylors shared the preseason backfield in 2023. They were on the same preseason roster once again in 2026. However, unlike their first meeting as ships crossing in the night, Saylors made the roster while the Lions released Williams.

Williams joins a long list of recent Bengals who have been released by their team, which includes Lucas Patrick, Cordell Volson, Marco Wilson, Geno Stone, and QB Jake Browning.

From Bengals castoff to Lions RB2

It might not be a story on par with Dohnte Meyers’, but it is not that far off. 

After quick stops with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and the UFL’s Saint Louis Battlehawks, Saylors found his way onto Detroit’s practice squad in 2025. 

Nevertheless, Saylors entered the preseason hoping to win the No. 3 job. Now, after a promising preseason, the former ETSU back will likely start as RB2 for the Lions. 

In Detroit’s final preseason game against the Colts, Saylors had 17 rushes for 100 yards. And with an overall solid showing this preseason, head coach Dan Campbell gave him a vote of confidence going into Week 1 as an RB2.

RB1 in Detroit is, of course, Jahmyr Gibbs, who is the NFL’s highest-paid running back after signing a massive contract extension this offseason. Saylors immediately becomes one of the most important and valuable backups.

The Lions also have Isiah Pacheco on their roster. However, as he recovers from an injury, Saylors is the man behind Gibbs. 

Pretty happy RB room in Cincinnati, kind of

Meanwhile, Chase Brown leads the Bengals’ running back group with Samaje Perine as his backup. While second-year player Tahj Brooks made the initial 53, there could be a change there. 

Brown is looking for a new contract. While we expect his next contract to be less than Gibbs' or Bijan Robinson’s, his next deal will be a significant improvement over his current rookie deal, which has made him one of the most underpaid players in the league. 

Nevertheless, Cincinnati's running back situation looks good. And with all the recent roster cuts, it is nice to see a former Bengals player in line to contribute this season. 

We wish Saylors luck. We can do that because the Bengals will not face the Lions this year unless they meet in the Super Bowl. In that case, we’ll take back that luck statement. 

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