Detroit Lions Are Signing Former Alabama, Florida State Running Back

The Detroit Lions were required to add a running back to the roster, after Jabari Small suffered a head injury in the second preseason game of 2026.

According to multiple reports, the front office has made the decision to sign former Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida State Seminoles running back Roydell Williams.

In his first year playing in the SEC, Williams secured 19 rushing attempts for 71 yards and a touchdown.

The following year, he secured 250 yards rushing and four touchdowns on 56 carries. Following the 2023 season, Williams entered the NCAA transfer portal.

Williams only appeared in 10 games in the past two years at Florida State, recording 41 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, multiple injuries derailed the end of his collegiate career. He suffered an undisclosed lower-leg injury against his former team in September of 2025.

He went undrafted and signed with the Indianapolis Colts. He was cut when veteran wideout Keenan Allen joined the team.

Facing familiar faces

The Lions faced a pair of familiar faces over the weekend, when the Washington Commanders visited Ford Field.

Cornerback Amik Robertson and running back Craig Reynold spoke to reporters after losing to the Lions, 17-13.

“It was great seeing a lot of people," said Robertson. "Like I say, man, this organization, this city welcomed me with all love. I don’t have nothing bad to say about Detroit, man. I appreciate them, and I wish them the best in the future.”

The veteran defensive back also shared, when asked about bringing the pressure early in the game, “Just a great play call by (Commanders defensive coordinator) Daronte Jones. My number was called, and I harp on, whenever my number’s called, I gotta make my plays. I had a call by our DC, and I was able to be aggressive, disguise the blitz and make a play.”

Reynolds remains close with Detroit's running backs, who regularly message each other in group chats.

“It was fun to go out there and compete, talk trash. Talk a lot of trash," said Reynolds. "And get a chance to really hit them now, because you practice against them, but it’s not really like that. It was a lot of fun.”

For more comprehensive Detroit Lions coverage and NFL insider analysis, follow us on X, @detroitpodcast, head on over to our Facebook page and give it a like, follow us on TikTok, subscribe to the Detroit Lions On SI Lone Wolves YouTube Channel for daily videos, news, member-exclusive content.

Add us as a preferred source on Google