Detroit Lions work out Clyde Edwards-Helaire, three other RBs

Detroit Lions work out Clyde Edwards-Helaire and three other running backs

The Detroit Lions tried out four running backs, per ESPN's Adam Schefter: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Hassan Haskins, Raheem Blackshear, and Kylin James. No signings have been confirmed.

Edwards-Helaire is the most recognizable name. The former first-round pick out of LSU spent most of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and has two Super Bowl rings, but he has not been a consistent fantasy contributor in recent seasons. He most recently had a brief connection to the Chiefs' roster in 2025 before this workout.

Haskins (RB, previously Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers) is a larger back at 6'2" and 228 pounds. If the Lions signed him specifically, he would profile as a short-yardage or goal-line option. Blackshear is a receiving back who has spent time on practice squads with the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts. James is an undrafted back out of Ole Miss with limited NFL experience.

What this means for the Lions backfield

Detroit returns Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) and David Montgomery (RB) as the clear top two options heading into 2025. This workout is a depth search, not a signal that anything has changed at the top of that depth chart.

Should fantasy managers care?

Not yet. If one of these four is signed, check whether it is Haskins, who at least fits a goal-line profile that could generate a touchdown here and there in a good Lions offense. Edwards-Helaire has name recognition but has not produced fantasy-relevant numbers in years. Blackshear and James are practice squad candidates at best.

Watch for a signing announcement. That is the moment to reassess, and even then, only Gibbs and Montgomery are worth rostering in standard formats unless injuries force the issue.