Lions running back Sione Vaki sustains unusual facial injury during camp

Third-year Lions running back Sione Vaki broke his nose and was poked in the eye in a freak accident at Monday's training camp, sidelining him for a short period.

During Monday's training session, Lions running back Sione Vaki endured a freak incident that left him with a broken nose and an eye poke, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The injury occurred when a teammate's hand slipped through Vaki's facemask, prompting Campbell to keep him out of practice while he recovers. Vaki, a 25-year-old third-year player drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 draft, has spent his early career on special teams and is now vying for a larger role in the offense.

He was receiving increased first-team repetitions alongside Isiah Pacheco while fellow back Jahmyr Gibbs remains on a contract holdout. The Lions also added veteran Raheem Blackshear and evaluated other backs, including former first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire, during the same camp. Campbell noted that Vaki's vision should improve with time and expects him to be back soon. The incident highlights the physical risks inherent in football practice.