As the Detroit Lions fine-tune their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season, the team made a notable move on Tuesday by hosting veteran running back Kareem Hunt at their Allen Park facility. According to the NFL transaction list, the Lions brought in the former Pro Bowler for a visit, signaling potential interest in adding backfield depth. The timing is intriguing, coming just days after Detroit lost two running backs to injury in their preseason finale against the Washington Commanders. With the regular season opener looming on September 10, the Lions are carefully evaluating their options to ensure they have a reliable ground attack behind star Jahmyr Gibbs.
Hunt's Career: A Tale of Talent and Turbulence
Kareem Hunt's journey through the NFL has been anything but ordinary. Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Hunt burst onto the scene with a sensational rookie campaign, rushing for 1,327 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging an impressive 4.9 yards per carry. That performance earned him Pro Bowl honors and established him as one of the league's most promising young backs. However, his tenure with the Chiefs was cut short in 2018 following the release of a video showing him involved in a physical altercation with a woman. Although he never faced criminal charges, the Chiefs released him, and he subsequently spent five seasons with the Cleveland Browns before returning to Kansas City in 2024.
Since his rookie year, Hunt has battled injuries and inconsistency, but he has shown flashes of his old form. He eclipsed 700 rushing yards in three seasons (2018, 2020, 2024) and remains a capable pass-catcher out of the backfield. In 2024, while with the Chiefs, Hunt rushed for 611 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Interestingly, his production outpaced that of current Lions running back Isiah Pacheco, who managed just 462 yards and one rushing touchdown despite starting 12 games. This statistical comparison adds an intriguing layer to the Lions' potential interest in Hunt, especially given Pacheco's current injury status.
Lions' Backfield Situation and Injury Concerns
The Lions' backfield has been hit hard by injuries during the preseason. Raheem Blackshear was placed on injured reserve and subsequently released with an injury settlement, while Jabari Small suffered a concussion against the Commanders. These setbacks have left the team thin at the position, with only Jahmyr Gibbs, Sione Vaki, Jacob Saylors, Trayveon Williams, and newly signed Roydell Williams healthy. The coaching staff may be hesitant to expose these players to unnecessary risk in the preseason finale, making Hunt an attractive option to provide experience and stability.
Perhaps the most pressing concern is the health of presumed RB2 Isiah Pacheco, who has been sidelined with an MCL sprain. Head coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism about Pacheco's recovery, stating two weeks ago, "We feel pretty good about him being ready to go, certainly when the season gets here. So, I'm not concerned about that." However, given Pacheco's recent struggles and injury history, the Lions may be exploring all avenues to bolster their running back corps. Adding a proven veteran like Hunt could provide insurance and a competitive edge.
Cornerback Tryouts Add to the Mix
In addition to Hunt, the Lions also hosted two cornerbacks for tryouts: Shaun Jolly and Eric Scott. Jolly, an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State, spent three seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, appearing in six games before missing the entirety of the 2025 season due to injury. At 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, Jolly offers versatility to play both outside and in the slot. Scott, on the other hand, is a taller, more physical cornerback at 6-foot-2 and 197 pounds. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Scott has yet to appear in a regular-season game but has spent time on the practice squads of both Dallas and Kansas City.
These tryouts underscore the Lions' proactive approach to roster building as they prepare for the upcoming season. With the NFL trade deadline still months away, the team is clearly focused on maximizing their depth and ensuring they have the right pieces in place to make a deep playoff run. As reported by Vulius Sports, the Lions' front office has been aggressive in addressing needs, and these moves reflect their commitment to fielding a competitive roster.
"We're always looking to improve our roster," said a team source familiar with the visits. "Kareem is a proven player who can help us, and we're excited about the potential additions."
As the Lions prepare for their preseason finale and the regular season opener, the addition of Hunt would not only provide depth but also a veteran presence in the locker room. His experience in high-pressure situations could prove invaluable, especially if Pacheco's injury lingers. Fans will be watching closely to see if Detroit formalizes a deal with Hunt in the coming days. Stay tuned to Vulius for the latest updates on this developing story.
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