Sione Vaki is active for Sunday’s game against the Patriots in Munich in Week 10, a good sign for the Lions’ backfield depth after he was listed questionable because of an ankle issue.
The availability update comes after Vaki handled a larger role last Sunday at Miami. In Sunday's 19-9 win over the Dolphins, he played 34 percent of the snaps, an above-average share for the rookie and a sign the Lions have been willing to use him in a meaningful rotation when needed.
What Vaki brings to the Lions
Through eight appearances, Vaki has produced 37 touches for 199 yards from scrimmage, though he has yet to score a touchdown. The numbers show a player who has already carved out a small but real role while the Lions manage injuries and usage in the backfield.
His Week 10 status matters because it gives the Lions another available running back for an international game, and it follows a second straight contest in which he has been dealing with an ankle concern. Even if his workload is not large, being active keeps the team a little more flexible on offense.
Other Lions updates
The Lions also had several other notable updates this week. Goff was limited at practice on Wednesday because of a chest injury, St. Brown was limited on Wednesday and Thursday, and then was limited again on Friday before being listed questionable for Sunday’s game against the Patriots in Munich.
There was also movement around LaPorta, with the Lions having received trade calls on him leading up to Tuesday’s deadline. And on special teams, Bates went 4-for-4 on field goals and made his only extra-point try in Sunday's 19-9 win over the Dolphins.
For now, the main takeaway is straightforward: Vaki is available. After working through an ankle issue, he will be part of the Lions’ roster mix as they face the Patriots in Munich.
