The whispers have grown louder, the predictions increasingly confident, and now the stark reality is setting in for Detroit Lions fans and, more importantly, for a promising young player: Kye Robichaux, the undrafted rookie running back who dazzled with ten touchdowns in his final collegiate season, is facing an unexpected roster snub. This isn’t just a minor cut; it’s a harsh reminder of the brutal economics and strategic calculations that define NFL roster construction, even for players who flash considerable talent.
Robichaux’s story is one that initially captivated: an undrafted free agent from Boston College, he had a stellar senior year, racking up 744 rushing yards and an impressive 10 touchdowns on 175 carries. This kind of nose for the end zone, particularly for a power back, usually signals a high upside and a strong chance to at least make a practice squad, if not compete for a back-end roster spot. He was lauded for his ability to finish at the goal line, with six of his seven touchdowns in a prior season coming from inside the five-yard line. For a Lions team that values a diverse run game, Robichaux appeared to offer a much-needed short-yardage and goal-line specialist.
However, the reality of the Detroit Lions’ running back room is a formidable wall. Head Coach Dan Campbell and General Manager Brad Holmes have meticulously built one of the most effective and talent-rich backfields in the NFL. At the very top are two undisputed stars: Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Jahmyr Gibbs, the electrifying former first-round pick, has evolved into a true dual-threat weapon. In his second season (2024), he exploded for 1,412 rushing yards and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns, along with significant contributions in the passing game. He’s the “lightning” of the Lions’ potent one-two punch, capable of game-breaking runs and receiving versatility that makes him an every-down threat.
Complementing Gibbs is David Montgomery, the powerful, bruising runner who provides the “thunder.” Montgomery consistently pounds defenses between the tackles, grinds out tough yards, and has been a crucial element in the Lions’ physical identity. In 2023, he exceeded 1,000 rushing yards, and despite missing some time in 2024, he still contributed 775 yards and 12 touchdowns.
These two are firmly entrenched as the top two backs, receiving the vast majority of snaps and touches. This leaves very few opportunities for anyone else to carve out a significant offensive role.
Beyond the dynamic duo, the Lions also boast valuable depth that extends beyond just running the ball. Veteran Craig Reynolds has been a consistent and reliable presence in the Lions’ backfield since 2021. He’s proven to be a trustworthy ball carrier, pass protector, and a key contributor on special teams. Reynolds’ experience and versatility, particularly his special teams acumen, give him a significant edge in roster battles. He appeared in all 17 games last season (2024), proving his durability and value.
Then there’s Sione Vaki. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft as a safety, Vaki was praised by the coaching staff for his versatility and potential as a hybrid player. He saw limited offensive snaps as a rookie in 2024 (14 rushing yards, 37 receiving yards) but was a standout on special teams, recording eight tackles and a forced fumble on over 300 special teams snaps. The Lions view Vaki as a project with high upside, particularly due to his “backyard instincts” as a runner despite playing the position sparingly in college. His special teams prowess makes him a valuable asset regardless of his offensive role.
This is where Kye Robichaux’s path to the 53-man roster becomes incredibly narrow. The Lions typically keep four, sometimes five, running backs on their active roster, depending on the special teams contributions and injuries across other positions. With Gibbs, Montgomery, Reynolds, and Vaki seemingly locked in for four spots, it leaves virtually no room.
The final roster spot, if there is one for a pure running back, is predicted to come down to undrafted rookies. And even in that competition, Robichaux faces an uphill battle against Anthony Tyus III, a local product from Portage Northern High School who played at Northwestern and Ohio. Tyus had a strong collegiate career himself, rushing for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns in his lone season at Ohio (2024), and reportedly impressed during spring workouts due to his power running style and athleticism. Insiders suggest Tyus is currently ahead of Robichaux on the team’s depth chart, further squeezing Robichaux’s chances.
The cruel reality is that an NFL team doesn’t just look at a player’s highlight reel or touchdown total from college. They evaluate the complete package:
- Scheme Fit: While Robichaux’s power is appealing, the Lions’ scheme relies heavily on versatile backs who can run, catch, and block effectively.
- Special Teams Value: For a third or fourth running back, special teams contributions are often non-negotiable. If a player can’t contribute significantly in kick or punt coverage/returns, their value diminishes significantly. Reynolds and Vaki excel here.
- Pass Protection: A running back must be able to consistently pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback. This is a complex skill that takes time to master.
- Fumbling Tendencies: Ball security is paramount. One costly fumble in a preseason game can erase dozens of positive plays.
- Overall Depth Chart: As highlighted, the Lions are incredibly deep at running back. To make the team, a rookie would need to be demonstrably better than established veterans or offer a unique, irreplaceable skill.
- Practice Squad Eligibility: Being an undrafted rookie, Robichaux would be eligible for the practice squad, allowing the team to keep him in the system for further development without occupying a coveted 53-man roster spot. This is a common path for promising but unproven players.
For Robichaux, getting cut after a 10-touchdown season isn’t a reflection of his talent not being NFL-caliber, but rather a reflection of the extraordinary depth and specific needs of the Detroit Lions. He’s a powerful runner with a nose for the end zone, attributes that will undoubtedly earn him looks from other teams or a spot on the Lions’ practice squad. However, in a backfield already featuring two Pro Bowl-caliber talents and proven special teams contributors, even a stellar collegiate stat line isn’t always enough to secure a spot in the toughest professional league in the world. The NFL is a business, and sometimes, even 10 touchdowns aren’t enough to make the final cut.
