Forgotten Vols player from Tennessee’s beloved 2022 team makes NFL 53 man roster for the first time in his career
The former Tennessee Vols standout had a memorable season in 2022, leading the team in rushing touchdowns with 13.
For the first time in his NFL career, former Tennessee Vols running back Jabari Small has made an NFL 53-man roster.
Small, who played at Tennessee from 2020 to 2023, went unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft. He’s spent time over the last two seasons on the practice squad with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.
On Sunday, the Lions announced that Small has made Detroit’s 53-man roster to start the season.
Small, a Memphis native who is 24 years old, rushed for 2,118 yards and 24 touchdowns during his time at Tennessee (he led the Vols in rushing touchdowns in 2022 with 13). He also caught 32 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
The former Vol will serve as running back depth for the Lions with Isiah Pacheco dealing with a back injury that’s expected to keep him sidelined for a bit.
Small is one of two former Tennessee players on Detroit’s initial 53-man roster. Josh Dobbs is set to serve as the Lions’ No. 2 quarterback.
Former Vols offensive lineman Cade Mays would’ve been part of Detroit’s 53-man roster after signing a free agent deal with the franchise earlier this year, but he suffered an injury in training camp and will start the season on IR.
