The Detroit Lions had to scramble to find a quick replacement at both running back and kick returner last week after veteran Justin Jackson unexpectedly retired from the NFL. It was a curveball in preparation for both the preseason opener against the New York Giants and the overall depth chart.
Jackson had been the team’s No. 3 running back since returning to training camp earlier this summer. He filled that role capably in 2022 as well. But Jackson’s bigger value was as the team’s primary kick returner.
