The Detroit Lions have been one of the most pleasant surprises in the NFL over the first six weeks of the season, getting off to a 5-1 start and sitting in first place in the NFC North.

However, things are beginning to get tougher for the Lions, especially in their backfield.

Detroit is now without running backs David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs and Zonovan Knight, as all are dealing with their own respective injuries. Montgomery suffered a rib injury in Week 6 that is expected to sideline him for a period of time, Gibbs has already missed a couple of games with a hamstring issue and Knight is out for the rest of the year due to a shoulder injury.

With the Lions missing three halfbacks, they could (and probably should) explore the market to see who is available.

Max Gerber of USA Today mentions a potential solution: Leonard Fournette.

Fournette last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season, when he rushed for 668 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 3.5 yards per carry. Additionally, he hauled in 73 receptions for 523 yards and three scores.

The 28-year-old, who played his collegiate football at LSU, was originally selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the fourth overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft.

He spent the first three years of his career with the Jaguars, registering a couple of 1,000-yard campaigns before being released by the club just before the start of 2020.

Fournette then joined the Buccaneers, where he went on to win a Super Bowl in his debut season in a limited role. His best season in Tampa Bay came in 2021, when he totaled 812 yards and eight touchdowns as a rusher, logging an efficient 4.5 yards per tote. He also caught 69 passes for 454 yards and a pair of scores.

While Fournette may be past his prime, he could certainly help the ailing Lions’ backfield in a pinch.

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