The Detroit Lions need some help in the backfield, and they could be turning toward a fairly big name to get it.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Lions worked out free-agent running back Jay Ajayi on Friday, nearly two weeks after placing fellow halfback Kerryon Johnson on the injured reserve list.
Ajayi last played in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, appearing in four games before a torn ACL ended his year. During the time he was on the field, he rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry.
The 26-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Boise State, was originally selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round (149th pick overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He had a very limited role during his rookie campaign, logging just 187 yards and a score on the ground in nine games.
However, the following season, Ajayi broke out, racking up 1,272 yards and eight touchdowns while recording 4.9 yards per attempt, making the Pro Bowl.
The next year in 2017, Ajayi had a rough go of it with the Dolphins, totaling just 465 yards while logging a meager 3.4 yards per tote through seven games. Miami then traded him to the Eagles that October.
Ajayi would go on to become a crucial piece in what would be Philadelphia' first-ever Super Bowl title, registering 408 yards and a touchdown while posting a hefty 5.8 yards per carry in seven games. He also tallied 184 rushing yards through three playoff contests.
The Lions are 3-3-1 on the season and are still very much alive in the NFC playoff picture.