Key metrics from Pacheco’s recent seasons suggest his production hasn’t consistently met starting-caliber standards in several important rushing categories. Even in a situation that should have been favorable for his success, his efficiency indicators have been mixed. For example, in a sampling of 49 running backs with 100 or more rushing attempts, Pacheco ranked in the mid-40s for several critical measures:
– Explosive run rate: around 3.4%
– Longest rush: 16 yards on 118 attempts
– Success rate: about 29.7%
– Yards per carry: roughly 3.9
These figures come despite Pacheco facing defenses with heavier-than-average boxes and less frequent opportunities to run against defenders lined up further from the line of scrimmage. In other words, the context of his carries did not align with an upper-tier rushing profile, which raises questions about his fit as a direct replacement for Montgomery’s role.
Detroit’s offense provides a solid environment for a running back, but meeting or surpassing what the Kansas City Chiefs extracted from Pacheco last season may be challenging. The Lions would need one of several outcomes to materialize: Pacheco delivering a notable uptick in efficiency, Jahmyr Gibbs absorbing a larger share of rushing duties (potentially leading the backfield as a workhorse), or someone stepping up behind Gibbs to carry a meaningful workload.
Current Lions roster notes add a layer of complexity. Gibbs is expected to assume a heavy workload and already ranked among the top rushing attempts in the NFL. He is not only handling rushing duties but also expected to contribute significantly in the passing game. If Gibbs is indeed the primary contributor, the team could be left with a sizable gap in carries unless another option steps forward. This is the scenario where Pacheco—or another veteran back—could be considered to fill the remaining carries, but the success of such a plan would hinge on health and efficiency.
Behind Gibbs, the Lions have Sione Vaki, entering his third NFL season. Vaki has limited rushing production, with seven carries for 18 yards to his name so far, and his college position on defense plus injury questions have clouded his trajectory. While head coach Dan Campbell has expressed optimism about Vaki’s development, expecting him to play a larger role may be optimistic given the current data.
Strategically, the Lions would need Pacheco to stay healthy and to perform at a higher efficiency level on a fluctuating workload. Montgomery’s diminishing carry totals over the years underscored the team’s willingness to redistribute carries, and Gibbs’ ascent foreshadows substantial involvement in the ground game. If Pacheco is brought in, his integration would need to be carefully managed to keep Gibbs from wearing down and to avoid creating a single-point-of-failure scenario at running back.
Pacheco’s injury history is another factor to consider. He sustained a fractured leg during a portion of the 2024 season, limiting his 2024 appearances to six games and affecting his performance into the following season. After returning for 13 games, his production declined, and his carry count remained modest. Should the Lions pursue a plan centered on Pacheco, they would need to ensure a healthy return to form and a more consistent usage pattern to prevent a similar drop in effectiveness.
In terms of overall team strategy, the Lions are weighing multiple avenues to sustain a productive rushing attack. The primary objective is to maintain a balanced offense where Gibbs can carry a significant workload while still preserving a viable path for the backfield to contribute through a complementary role. If Pacheco is to contribute, it would likely be as part of a diversified committee rather than as a direct mirror of Montgomery’s previous volume.
In evaluating this approach, it’s important to consider the dynamics of the modern NFL offenses where the ground game benefits from a mix of efficient runners, versatile backs who can contribute in the passing game, and a well-timed use of multiple backs to keep defenses off balance. Any plan to replace Montgomery’s production must account for Gibbs’s emerging role, Vaki’s potential development, and the overall health and efficiency of the backfield as a unit.
Ultimately, the Lions’ plan moving forward will hinge on more than just bringing in a single back. It will require a coherent approach that leverages Gibbs’s talents, ensures depth with a reliable secondary option, and emphasizes efficiency and durability across the group. If Isiah Pacheco is added, the coaching staff would need to tailor his usage to maximize his strengths while protecting Gibbs’s workload and maintaining a balanced, productive rushing attack for the team.
