In the moments where Gibbs was given a breather, it quickly became clear that Sione Vaki was the No.
2 back on Detroit’s depth chart. He logged more than 20 offensive snaps, carried the ball twice for 7 yards and caught a pass for 11 more. It’s a small accomplishment, but a meaningful one for the former fourth-round pick who spent two years, including an injury-riddled 2025, earning the coaching staff’s trust.
Jeff Risdon·
Pacheco produced some successful runs, but other attempts broke down when the offensive line failed to create enough help for him. He was described as more dependent upon his blocking than Jabari Small, which matters when evaluating who could replace Jahmyr Gibbs without changing the offense. Pacheco brings more power as he gets started, but his effectiveness can be limited when the blocking in front of him does not hold up.
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