This second-year running back has returned to practice on Wednesday after going down with a leg injury.

Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki (33) practices during training camp at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Monday, July 21, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by injuries during the early part of training camp and the preseason.

The Lions placed second-year cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. on injured reserve after undergoing shoulder surgery.

In addition to Rakestraw, the Lions placed three more players on IR and saw rookie pass rusher Ahmed Hassanein suffer a brief injury scare at practice earlier this week.

As you can imagine, Detroit fans are already tired of the injuries and likely want to hear about some good news.

Luckily for them, the Lions have good news to report on the injury front, as a second-year player has made his return to the practice field on Wednesday.

Second-Year RB Sione Vaki Returns to Training Camp Practice Wednesday.

According to Jeff Risdon of the Lions Wire, second-year running back Sione Vaki was back at individual drills on Wednesday.

Risdon added that Vaki could participate in some team drills if he’s ready.

The former Utah Utes standout has missed a little bit of time in training camp after suffering a leg injury on July 21, which was the Lions’ second camp practice.

With Vaki banged up, Detroit went out and brought in some additional running back depth, signing Jacob Saylors eight days later.

The Lions were content rolling with the likes of Saylors, Jabari Small, and Craig Reynolds for the Hall of Fame Game and their following preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.

That said, you’ve got to believe the Lions are happy to see Vaki back on the field.

Detroit is excited about what Vaki brings to the field as a football player.

In college, he played safety but also got the chance to play some running back due to injuries, and actually showed some promise.

That type of versatility intrigued the Lions during the draft process, and they selected Vaki in the fourth round in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Vaki didn’t spend much time on offense, as he played mostly on special teams.

However, one would expect the young running back to push veteran Craig Reynolds for the RB3 spot if he can stay healthy and play in one of the final two preseason games.

Reynolds had 15 yards on six carries, along with two kick return attempts in last week’s preseason contest vs. the Falcons.