Jermar Jefferson Injury News & Updates

Jefferson signed with the Cardinals' practice squad Wednesday.

With both James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) being placed on injured reserve, Jefferson's signing provides a depth option at running back. He last played for the Lions in 2024, taking six carries for 22 yards over 12 offensive snaps. Jefferson could be elevated to the Cardinals' active roster as soon as the Week 5 matchup against the Week 5 matchup against the Titans.

Tennessee cut Jefferson from its practice squad Friday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Just two days after joining the Titans' practice squad, Jefferson is now on his way out with the team. He's in line to become a free agent and will likely have to look for his next opportunity with a new organization.

The Titans signed Jefferson to the practice squad Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Jefferson was unable to make the Titans' 53-man roster after finishing the preseason with nine carries for 59 yards and one touchdown along with an 11-yard catch in three preseason games. The 2021 seventh-rounder will stay in Tennessee as part of the team's practice squad, but he could be elevated to the active roster for the Titans' regular-season opener against the Broncos on Sunday, Sept. 7 if Kalel Mullings (ankle) is not cleared to play.

Tennessee waived Jefferson on Tuesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Jefferson looked pretty good in limited opportunities during the preseason, rushing nine times for 59 yards and a touchdown while catching his only target for an 11-yard gain. However, Tennessee decided it doesn't have room for the 25-year-old on its initial 53-man roster. Jefferson is a candidate for the Titans' practice squad if he clear waivers.

Jefferson rushed the ball eight times for 41 yards in Friday's 23-13 preseason win over the Vikings. He added one reception on one target for 11 yards.

Jefferson was the final Titans' back to enter Friday's game, though he did mix in with Jordan Mims throughout the second half. Jefferson was the more efficient back of the duo, with much of his yardage coming on a 29-yard attempt that he immediately followed up with an 11-yard reception. His usage suggests he has limited chance to make the roster heading into the regular season, though Jefferson did conclude the preseason impressively.

The Titans signed Jefferson to a contract Wednesday, Jim Wyatt of the team's official site reports.

Jefferson appeared in two regular-season games for the Lions in 2024, posting six carries for 22 yards and one catch on as many targets for 10 yards. The 2021 seventh-round pick will use training camp and the preseason to audition for a spot on the Titans' 53-man roster.

The Lions reverted Jefferson to their practice squad Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Jefferson was elevated ahead of Monday's win against the 49ers and logged three carries for nine yards. That was his second elevation of the campaign, so he could be up with Detroit again in Week 18 versus Minnesota. Jefferson has been providing running back depth for the Lions since David Montgomery suffered an MCL injury versus Buffalo in Week 15.

Jefferson rushed the ball three times for nine yards in Monday night's 40-34 victory over San Francisco.

Jefferson was elevated to the active roster for the second game in a row Monday, garnering three opportunities out of the backfield, two of which were goal-line carries in the first quarter. For the second straight week, Jefferson rushed the ball while rookie Sione Vaki went without a carry and Jefferson may be considered Detroit's No. 3 running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs and Craig Reynolds for the time being with David Montgomery (knee) unavailable.

The Lions elevated Jefferson from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of Monday night's game against the 49ers.

Jefferson will be elevated for a second straight week and serve as the Lions' fourth-string running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki. Jefferson played 12 snaps (five on offense, seven on special teams) during the Lions' Week 16 win over the Bears and logged three carries for 13 yards while hauling in his lone target for 10 yards.

Jefferson reverted to the Lions' practice squad Monday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Jefferson was elevated to the active roster for the first time this season due to the absence of David Montgomery (knee). Jefferson served as the Lions' No. 4 running back behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki, and Jefferson ended up logging three carries during garbage time for 13 yards while hauling in his lone target for an additional 10 yards in Detroit's 34-17 win over Chicago. Jefferson could be elevated for the Lions' Week 17 clash against the 49ers on Monday, Dec. 30.

Jefferson was elevated from Detroit's practice squad Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Bears.

Jefferson will provide depth in a Detroit backfield that will be without David Montgomery (knee) for the remainder of the regular season. Jefferson's unlikely to play a significant role behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds and Sione Vaki.

Jefferson signed with the Lions' practice squad Wednesday.

The Oregon State product was left off the Lions' initial 53-man roster, but he's sticking around on the team's practice squad. Jefferson most recently appeared in a regular-season game with Detroit in 2021, tallying 74 rushing yards and two touchdowns across seven outings.

The Lions waived Jefferson on Tuesday.

Jefferson was a seventh-round draft pick by the Lions in 2021 and got into seven regular-season games that year, carrying 15 times for a healthy 74 yards and two touchdowns while adding 23 yards on four catches. He hasn't gotten a regular-season NFL snap since then. Though Jefferson gained a modest 38 yards on 14 carries during the preseason this year, he also scored two rushing touchdowns

Jefferson (undisclosed) was a participant during the beginning of Detroit's offseason program Tuesday.

Jefferson finished the 2023 campaing on Lions' practice squad injured list after popping up with an undisclosed injury in late January. The nature of the 24-year-old's issue was never revealed, though he appears to have moved past the injury over the past months. Jefferson has not played since his 2021 rookie season, spending each of the past two campaigns on Detroit's practice squad.

Jefferson (undisclosed) signed a reserve/future contract with the Lions on Tuesday, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports.

Jefferson has spent the last two years on Detroit's practice squad and will receive another opportunity with the team next season. The Oregon State product last saw game action in 2021, where he suited up seven times, and totaled 74 yards on the ground on 15 carries and two touchdowns.

Jefferson (undisclosed) was placed on the Lions' practice squad injured list Wednesday.

Jefferson will not be allowed to practice with the team or be eligible to be elevated to the active roster over the next four weeks, which means the move will essentially end his season early.

The Lions signed Jefferson to the practice squad Tuesday.

Jefferson spent training camp with the Lions but was waived with an injury settlement on Sept. 6 due to an undisclosed injury. He had a workout with the Cardinals on Oct. 3 but did not end up signing with the team. The 2021 seventh-round pick will rejoin the Lions on their practice squad and will wait for an opportunity to be called up to the team's active roster this season.

Jefferson (undisclosed) had a workout with the Cardinals on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jefferson spent training camp with the Lions but ended up on injured reserve due to an undisclosed injury. The Oregon State product reached an injury settlement with the team though, and is now healthy and looking for new opportunities. With Keaontay Ingram dealing with a neck injury, Arizona may be in the market for some extra depth at running back.

Jefferson (undisclosed) was waived by the Lions on Wednesday after reaching a settlement agreement, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.

Jefferson reverted to the Lions' injured reserve on Aug. 31 after going unclaimed off waivers. The injury settlement allows Jefferson to return for the 2023 season once he's healthy.

Jefferson (undisclosed) reverted to Detroit's injured reserve Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

Jefferson cleared waivers after being cut Tuesday, so barring an injury designation, he will now spend the rest of the 2023 season on IR. The exact nature of the 2021 seventh-round pick's injury remains undisclosed.

Jefferson (undisclosed) was waived/injured by the Lions on Tuesday, per the NFL's transaction log.

The nature of Jefferson's injury is unclear at this time. Assuming he clears waivers, his next step will be reverting to the team's injured reserve. From there, he will be looking at a 2023 season on the sideline unless both he and the team can reach an injury settlement at some point.

The Lions signed Jefferson to a reserve/future contract Monday.

Jefferson will get another chance to carve out a spot with Detroit heading into the offseason. The 2021 seventh-round pick logged 15 carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns across seven games during his rookie season, though he spent the entirety of 2022 on the practice squad before being elevated for Sunday's regular-season finale versus the Packers. Jefferson never wound up taking the field against Green Bay, though his experience with the team was still enough to earn him a new deal heading into this offseason.

The Lions elevated Jefferson from the practice squad for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Jefferson will be brought up from the practice squad for the first time this season ahead of Sunday's must-win regular-season finale. The second-year running back recorded 15 carries for 74 yards and two touchdowns across seven games with Detroit in 2021, though he's yet to make an appearance this season. Expect Jefferson to slot into a reserve/special-teams role behind backup running backs Justin Jackson and Craig Reynolds.

The Lions signed Jefferson to their practice squad Thursday.

Jefferson initially made the team's 53-man roster but was waived a day later. However, he's returned to the organization on a practice squad deal. The 2021 seventh-round pick appeared in seven games as a rookie, totaling 19 touches for 97 yards and two scores.

Detroit waived Jefferson on Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

It initially appeared as though Jefferson had secured a spot on the depth chart after he survived Tuesday's 53-man roster deadline, but he'll now become an unrestricted free agent assuming he isn't claimed during the current waiver period. The move leaves D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Craig Reynolds as the remaining running backs on the Lions' active roster.

Jefferson made the roster as the No. 4 running back, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

After being outdone by Justin Jackson this preseason while seemingly offering less value on special teams than Godwin Igwebuike, Jefferson surprisingly survived roster cuts after getting beat out by Igwebuike last year. However, Craig Reynolds remains in the No. 3 slot, so Jefferson won't necessarily have contingent fantasy value if something happens to D'Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams.

Jefferson rushed seven times for 25 yards during Saturday's preseason win over Indianapolis.

With neither of D'Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams in action, Jefferson was third to rotate in at running back behind interim starter Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson, who gained 54 yards on the same amount of carries as Jefferson. Each of these guys plus Godwin Igwebuike should get more opportunities to prove their work in the preseason finale next Sunday in Pittsburgh, but Jefferson seems to be headed in the wrong direction in advance of roster cuts.

Head coach Dan Campbell specified Jefferson as a player having a productive training camp, Colton Pouncy of The Athletic reports.

After a productive career at Oregon, Jefferson failed to find his footing as a seventh-round rookie last year in Detroit. By season's end, both converted safety Godwin Igwebuike and Kutztown product Craig Reynolds had earned more snaps and game appearances than him. However, it seems that Jefferson has worked his way back into the mix this offseason, which opens the door for him to compete with Igwebuike, Reynolds and Justin Jackson for the No. 3 running back job behind D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.

Running backs coach Duce Staley indicated that Jefferson could see more playing time if he can improve on special teams, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

Jefferson averaged over 19 carries per game over three seasons as the offensive centerpiece at Oregon State from 2018 to 2020, but he barely saw the field as a rookie. Meanwhile, converted safety Godwin Igwebuike was active every week due to his special-teams contributions and Craig Reynolds eventually worked his way up the depth chart as well. Jefferson ultimately seems to have an uphill battle for a roster spot, but it is nonetheless worth tracking the No. 3 running back job in Detroit considering the coaching staff was willing to give Reynolds 26 carries in a game that Swift and Williams both missed last season.

Jefferson appeared in seven games in 2021 and rushed 15 times for 74 yards with two touchdowns while catching four of five targets for 23 yards.

It took eight weeks for the seventh-round rookie to see a snap on offense. While it didn't take much longer for a golden opportunity to present itself once D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams started missing games, Jefferson first split time with Godwin Igwebuike before Craig Reynolds ultimately snagged the No. 3 running back spot from both of them. Jefferson is now no higher than No. 4 on the depth chart entering the offseason, and it doesn't seem like he'll have much of an opportunity to climb any higher considering each of Swift, Williams and Reynolds remain under contract in 2022.

Jefferson (coach's decision) is inactive Sunday against the Packers.

Jefferson hasn't suited up since Week 15 against the Cardinals. With D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike ahead of Jefferson on the running back positional depth chart, the Lions will use the roster space at another position Sunday against the Packers.

Jefferson (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Jefferson is a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game, which is unsurprising given that both Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift (shoulder) are available. Craig Reynolds and Godwin Igwebuike make up the rest of the Lions' backfield, though their role is likely to be limited.

Jefferson (coach's decision) will not play Sunday against the Falcons.

Jefferson unexpectedly received very little work with D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and Jamaal Williams on the COVID list. With Williams' return and the emergence of Craig Reynolds, Jefferson will be the odd man out Sunday against the Falcons.

Jefferson rushed five times for nine yards during Sunday's 30-12 win over Arizona.

Jefferson seemed slated for a large role in the absence of D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and Jamaal Williams, but he ultimately logged just six offensive snaps while Craig Reynolds (42) and Godwin Igwebuike (nine) carried more of the load. With Williams now off the COVID list and Swift set to test his shoulder in practice this week, Jefferson stands to see even less playing time in Week 16 against Atlanta.

Running backs coach Duce Staley said that he expects Jefferson to have a larger role in the Lions' game plan Sunday against the Cardinals than the rookie had in last week's loss to Denver, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

In Week 15, Detroit is once again expected to be without both of its top two backs in D'Andre Swift (shoulder), who has already missed two games, and Jamaal Williams, who sat out in Denver after landing on the reserve/COVID-19 list prior to the contest. Williams remains in quarantine and doesn't appear on track to gain clearance ahead of Sunday's 1 p.m. ET kickoff, leaving Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike and Jefferson as the healthy running backs on the roster. Though Jefferson was active for the game against Denver, he played just six total snaps since he had battled an ankle injury along with a case of the flu heading into the contest. Now healthier as Sunday's contest approaches, Jefferson should have a more prominent role on the ground, though Reynolds may still serve as the Lions' lead ballcarrier after gaining 65 yards on 10 totes in Week 14. Igwebuike, meanwhile, profiles as the Lions' top pass-catching back.

Jefferson logged five offensive snaps but did not record a touch during Sunday's loss to Denver.

Many thought Jefferson would take on a key role in the absence of D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and Jamaal Williams (COVID-19). However, coach Dan Campbell said after the game that the running back was not a big part of the practice rotation in the week before due to an ankle injury in combination with having the flu, which allowed Godwin Igwebuike and Craig Reynolds to carry the load. In any case, if either of Swift or Williams return in Week 15 against Arizona, none on these depth players will be worth further fantasy consideration anyway.

Jefferson (illness) doesn't have a designation for Sunday's game in Denver, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Jefferson was affected by the flu outbreak going around the Lions' locker room, with the Lions holding him out of drills Thursday. But he was able to handle every practice rep to cap the week and set himself up to be available Sunday. The same can't be said for D'Andre Swift, who is missing a second consecutive game due to an AC joint sprain, and Jamaal Williams, whom the Lions placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday. With Swift and Williams sidelined this weekend, Jefferson and Godwin Igwebuike will handle running back duties for Detroit.

Jefferson didn't practice Thursday due to an illness.

Jefferson wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report, so the ailment is a new development. The 21-year-old may need to return to practice in some capacity Friday to have a chance of suiting up this weekend at Denver.

Jefferson rushed five times for 18 yards while failing to catch his lone target during Sunday's 29-27 win over the Vikings.

Jefferson technically saw an expanded role with D'Andre Swift (shoulder) sidelined, but he still took a clear backseat to Jamaal Williams, who commanded 18 touches. While it's possible that Swift misses another game in Week 14 against the Broncos, do not bet on Detroit to split the backfield reps between Jefferson and Williams like they do between a Williams and a healthy Swift.

Jefferson will compete for touches with Godwin Igwebuike as the secondary option out of the backfield behind Jamaal Williams, who is slated to start and fill a lead role Sunday against the Vikings with D'Andre Swift (shoulder) ruled out for the game, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.

For one of the few times all season, Detroit had all four running backs active in its 16-14 loss to Chicago on Thanksgiving Day. Neither Jefferson nor Igwebuike appeared likely to have a role on offense heading into the contest, but Swift's early exit due to a sprained shoulder opened up opportunities for both players to pick up a handful of snaps behind Williams. Still, Igwebuike (four snaps) and Jefferson (three snaps) were barely involved, so Williams looks like he'll be on track to serve as a three-down workhorse Week 13 with Swift out of the picture. There likely won't be enough work left over for either Jefferson or Igwebuike to make a meaningful fantasy impact.

Jefferson (ankle/knee) is active for Thursday's game against the Bears.

After sitting out the Lions' Week 11 loss to the Browns on account of the two lower-body injuries, Jefferson was listed as a limited participant on each of the team's three practice reports issued Monday through Wednesday. That was enough for him to take a questionable designation into the Thanksgiving Day matchup and ultimately gain clearance ahead of the 12:30 p.m. ET kickoff. In his last appearance Week 10 in Pittsburgh, Jefferson carried three times for 41 yards and a touchdown before departing with the injury, but he could be at risk of falling out of the offensive game plan entirely. No. 2 back Jamaal Williams was sidelined against Pittsburgh due to injury, but he returned to action last week and should rank as the preferred option for complementary duties behind starter D'Andre Swift.

Jefferson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against Chicago.

The Lions listed Jefferson as a limited practice participant Monday through Wednesday, after he sat out Sunday's 13-10 loss to the Browns. With both D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams healthy, Jefferson will only be the No. 3 back even if he plays, with no guarantee of snaps or touches on offense.

Jefferson (ankle) was a limited participant in practice Tuesday.

Jefferson also logged a limited practice Monday, after missing Sunday against the Browns. If Jefferson is unable to play Thursday against the bears, Godwin Igwebuike will likely file in as the third running back on the Lions' depth chart.

Jefferson (ankle/knee) was listed as a limited participant on Monday's practice estimation.

Jefferson missed Sunday's loss to the Browns with ankle and knee injuries and has a short week to recover ahead of Thursday's matchup against the Bears. If he's unable to return against Chicago, Godwin Igwebuike would serve as the Lions' No. 3 running back.

Jefferson (ankle/knee) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Browns, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

For the first time this season, Jefferson will miss a game due to injury after he hurt his left ankle and also dinged his knee in last week's 16-16 tie with the Steelers. Though he typically serves as the Lions' No. 3 back when the team is at full strength, Jefferson's absence could loom larger this week if Jamaal Williams (thigh) -- who is listed as questionable -- ends up missing a third straight game. If Williams joins Jefferson on the inactive list, Godwin Igwebuike would serve as starter D'Andre Swift's top backup.

Jefferson (ankle) didn't take part in Thursday's practice, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Jefferson remains bothered by the ankle injury he suffered while scoring his bittersweet first NFL touchdown last week against the Steelers. At this point, it would be surprising if Jefferson's able to heal up in time to dress against the Browns on Sunday, though his designation on Friday's injury report will provide a clearer picture of his health.

Jefferson (ankle) isn't practicing Wednesday, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

As expected, after he scored his first NFL touchdown and then suffered an ankle injury in Sunday's 16-16 tie with Pittsburgh. While Jefferson likely will miss Sunday's game in Cleveland, the Lions did get Jamaal Williams (thigh) back on the practice field Wednesday afternoon.

Coach Dan Campbell said Monday that Jefferson (ankle) could miss time due to his injury, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports.

Jefferson had to be carted off the field in the first half of Sunday's game against Pittsburgh after he sustained his injury. While Campbell indicated that the running back's injury isn't as serious as the team initially believed, he could still be forced to miss time. If Jefferson and Jamaal Williams (thigh) are sidelined Sunday against Cleveland, Godwin Igwebuike will likely operate as the No. 2 running back behind D'Andre Swift.

Jefferson injured his ankle during Sunday's game at Pittsburgh.

Jefferson was off to a nice start before his departure in the first half, taking three carries for 41 yards and one touchdown. After the 28-yard score, though, Lions trainers checked out his left ankle, and the rookie seventh-rounder needed a cart to get off the field, per Chris Burke of The Athletic. A declaration of questionable to return was announced not long afterward, so the Lions will operate with D'Andre Swift and Godwin Igwebuike out of the backfield as long as Jefferson is sidelined with Jamaal Williams (thigh) out for a second consecutive contest.

Jefferson rushed twice for six yards and one touchdown while catching four of four targets for 23 yards during Sunday's 44-6 loss to the Eagles.

Making his professional debut with Jamaal Williams (groin) sidelined, Jefferson ultimately shared the No. 2 role with Godwin Igwebuike as D'Andre Swift commanded the vast majority of snaps out of the backfield. While Jefferson was at least able to find the end zone on the last drive of the game, Detroit was down 44 points at that point while David Blough was in at QB. With Williams getting a chance to recover over the Lions' Week 9 bye, it's possible Jefferson could return to being a healthy scratch in Week 10 against Pittsburgh.

Jefferson is expected to serve as the top backup to D'Andre Swift in Sunday's game against the Eagles with No. 2 running back Jamaal Williams (thigh) inactive for the contest, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports.

Beyond Swift and Williams, none of the Lions' other running backs have played an offensive snaps this season, as Jefferson (nine) and Godwin Igwebuike (116) have seen all their reps on special teams to date. Jefferson shouldn't be expected to handle Williams' typical snap share -- which has ranged between 29 and 39 percent in all but one of the Lions' seven games -- but the seventh-round rookie out of Oregon State looks like he'll at least be the next man up when Swift requires a breather.

Jefferson (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday's contest at Green Bay.

For the second consecutive week to start his career, the 2021 seventh-round pick will be a healthy scratch. As a result, Godwin Igwebuike will handle a special teams role and act as the third running back in the event one of D'Andre Swift (groin) or Jamaal Williams (chest) needs a breather.

Jefferson (coach's decision) is inactive for the Lions' season opener Sunday versus the 49ers, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

The rookie seventh-round pick will have to wait at least one week to make his NFL debut after the Lions elected to keep D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams and Godwin Igwebuike as their active running backs for Week 1. While Jefferson is more likely than Igwebuike to see snaps and touches on offense if one of Swift or Williams misses time this season, Igwebuike -- who contributes on special teams -- may end up dressing more frequently than Jefferson when all four backs are available.

Jefferson gained 43 yards on 11 carries while catching his only target for five yards in Friday's preseason loss to the Colts.

Getting the start for the Lions in their final tuneup before Week 1, Jefferson led the team in rushing yards and rushing attempts. D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams remain locked into the top two spots on the depth chart, but if Swift sees a limited workload in the opener against San Francisco, Jefferson could see enough touches to have some value in deep fantasy formats.

Jefferson rushed three times for 22 yards during Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh.

Getting the start with D'Andre Swift (groin) and Jamaal Williams in street clothes, Jefferson showed a little more wiggle than he did in the opener last week against Buffalo. However, as the rookie seems locked into Detroit's No. 3 job at running back, it is likely that Jefferson's preseason snaps may be over. If so, look for Dedrick Mills, Godwin Igwebuike and Craig Reynolds to carry the load in the finale next Friday against Indianapolis.

Jefferson (ankle) rushed four times for seven yards and caught his lone target for one yard in Friday's 16-15 preseason loss to the Bills.

Jefferson didn't find much running room, but at least the rookie seventh-round pick was able to suit up after recently battling an ankle injury. Jamaal Williams got the start with D'Andre Swift (groin) out but only managed 15 yards on nine carries, as Detroit's most effective running back was Craig Reynolds in the fourth quarter. Now healthy, Jefferson should see an expanded role in Week 2 of preseason against Pittsburgh.

Coach Dan Campbell said Tuesday that Jefferson will miss practice due to his ankle injury, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Campbell said the Lions "do not think it's serious" with regard to Jefferson's injury, adding that "it doesn't look like it's a high ankle [sprain]." That said, it's looking like the rookie seventh-round pick's availability for Friday's preseason game against the Bills could be in danger. If Jefferson can't go Friday, or is limited, all of Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike will be candidates to see increased work.

Jefferson left Monday's practice due to a leg injury, Kyle Meinke of MLive.com reports.

Jefferson had a strong start to camp and was expected to have a large role in Friday's preseason opener against the Bills as he competes for the No. 3 running back role ahead of Week 1. The severity of the rookie's injury isn't yet known, but Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike could see increased work if Jefferson is limited or held out Friday.

Jefferson is off to a great start to training camp, strengthening his case for the third spot on the depth chart, according to Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic.

Jefferson finished the second week of training camp in the driver's seat for the No. 3 role, ahead of Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike. With lead back D'Andre Swift (groin) absent from Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage, Jamaal Williams worked with the first-team offense while Jefferson repped with the second-stringers, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The rookie seventh-round pick figures to make his NFL debut Friday night in Detroit's preseason opener against Buffalo.

Jefferson is off to a great start to training camp, strengthening his case for the third spot on the depth chart, according to Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic.

Jefferson finished the second week of training camp in the driver's seat for the No. 3 role, ahead of Dedrick Mills, Michael Warren and Godwin Igwebuike. With lead back D'Andre Swift (groin) absent from Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage, Jamaal Williams worked with the first-team offense while Jefferson repped with the second-stringers, per Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press. The rookie seventh-round pick figures to make his NFL debut Friday night in Detroit's preseason opener against Buffalo.

Jefferson started to come on strong at the end of the offseason training program, Tim Twentyman of the Lions' official site reports.

Jefferson apparently was most impressive in the passing game and it sounds like he has distanced himself from Michael Warren and Dedrick Mills for the Lions' No. 3 running back job ahead of training camp. However, it's hard to imagine that the seventh-round rookie will be challenging D'Andre Swift or Jamaal Williams for a significant role with the first-team offense anytime soon.

Jefferson has signed a four-year contract with Detroit, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports.

After bursting onto the collegiate scene with over 1,500 total yards as a true freshman at Oregon State in 2018, Jefferson seem destined to be drafted before the seventh round. The 2020 first-team All-Pac-12 running back instead fell into the Lions' lap at No. 257 overall this spring, which presumably played a large role in the team's decision to waive Kerryon Johnson last week. Barring any surprise training camp performances from undrafted rookies Rakeem Boyd or Dedrick Mills, Johnson's absence seemingly puts Jefferson in the driver's seat for the No. 3 role in the Detroit backfield behind D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams.