Justin Jackson News

After returning just five kicks in his previous four seasons, Jackson suddenly became a respectable kick returner while averaging the seventh-most yards per kick return (26.7) among players with at least 15 attempts. Thanks to an early-season injury to Craig Reynolds, the Northwestern product also operated as a capable No. 2 or 3 running back most of the year depending on the availability D'Andre Swift. Now set to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent, Jackson seems set for a raise relative to the one-year, $980 thousand contract he honored this past season.

Back in action after missing the Lions' Week 17 win over the Bears with a hip injury, Jackson saw his lowest snap share on offense since Week 8, when he played exclusively on special teams in a 31-27 loss to the Dolphins. Jackson will be ticketed for unrestricted free agency this offseason and should be able to find work with the Lions or another team, though likely as nothing more than a No. 2 or 3 option out of the backfield and kickoff return specialist. The 26-year-old produced capably enough in his limited opportunities in 2022, carrying 42 times for 170 yards (4.0 YPC) and a touchdown while adding 12 receptions for 101 yards and another score over his 16 appearances.

Jackson landed on the injury report last Friday due to a hip injury and was ultimately sidelined for Week 17. However, it appears his absence was merely precautionary, as the backup running back is full go to start Week 18 prep and on track to suit up Sunday night against the Packers. If available, Jackson figures to see his usual rotational role behind Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift.

Jackson was added to the injury report on Friday, suggesting he suffered the injury at some point during the week of practice. He saw his role slip in a Week 16 loss to the Panthers, but nevertheless, Jackson's absence will condense touches in Detroit's backfield to both Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift. Craig Reynolds will step into the third running back role in Jackson's absence.

Adding him as a limited participant at the end of the week suggests Jackson was injured at some point Thursday or Friday. If he can't suit up ahead of the 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff this Sunday, the Lions will turn to Craig Reynolds as their No. 3 back behind Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift.

Jackson would have been the top candidate for early-down work in the Lions backfield had Williams needed to miss time with a leg injury that kept him out of the final quarter of last week's loss to Carolina. However, Jackson seems set to remain as the third fiddle to Williams and D'Andre Swift.