Small joined a group of backs that included star Jahmyr Gibbs, Isiah Pacheco, Jacob Saylors and Sione Vaki. Pacheco has since beenplaced on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the season's first four games.
Small signed with the Lions in July of 2025 and then was waived before 2025 roster cuts. Detroit would ink Small back to its practice squad in December of last year. Like McLaughlin, the 5-foot-8, 205-pound running back was among the players that the Lions signed toReserve/Future contractsin January.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell yells to the referee on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Joshua Dobbs (6) looks to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch (8) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) is brought down by Detroit Lions defensive back Aamaris Brown (42) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Mitchell Melton (54) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) leaps for the ball against Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Tay Martin (17) and guard Miles Frazier (71) celebrate after after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (50) celebrates with running back Jabari Small (26) after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson (11) reacts after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson (11) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rob Carter Jr. (39) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson (11) reacts after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) celebrates with teammates after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (25) runs with the ball against Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore (95) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Raylen Sharpe (8) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs with the ball against Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (28) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) trips up Detroit Lions tight end Zach Horton (43) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Thomas Gordon (82) gestures for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; The Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts kneel at mid field after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) and Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) smile for a photo together Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell greets wide receiver Malik Cunningham (15) after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell yells to the referee on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
1/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell yells to the referee on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
2/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Joshua Dobbs (6) looks to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Greg Dortch (8) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens (21) is brought down by Detroit Lions defensive back Aamaris Brown (42) on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
5/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Mitchell Melton (54) rushes up the field Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
6/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) leaps for the ball against Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Tay Martin (17) and guard Miles Frazier (71) celebrate after after a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (50) celebrates with running back Jabari Small (26) after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson (11) reacts after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson (11) makes a catch against Indianapolis Colts cornerback Rob Carter Jr. (39) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Lucky Jackson (11) reacts after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) celebrates with teammates after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors (25) runs with the ball against Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore (95) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell looks on from the sideline during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Raylen Sharpe (8) runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gould (6) runs with the ball against Detroit Lions cornerback Keith Abney II (28) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Jackson Meeks (13) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
19/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts safety Jonathan Owens (38) trips up Detroit Lions tight end Zach Horton (43) during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
20/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Thomas Gordon (82) gestures for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
21/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Trayveon Williams (47) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
22/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; The Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts kneel at mid field after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
(Robert Goddin, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
23/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard (15) and Detroit Lions cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (2) smile for a photo together Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, during the game against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Detroit Lions defeated the Indianapolis Colts, 25-16.
(Grace Hollars/IndyStar, USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co)
24/24
Lions vs. Colts: Best photos from Detroit's NFL preseason win
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell greets wide receiver Malik Cunningham (15) after a play against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images