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Allen Park—The preseason is over, and now Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have to turn months of evaluation into 53 names. Detroit’s roster is deeper than it has been in years, which makes this cutdown less about finding enough NFL players and more about deciding which roles are hardest to replace.

My final 53 leans toward versatility, special teams and players who can keep the offense or defense functioning when injuries force Detroit into its depth. That pushed several veterans and former draft picks onto the wrong side of the numbers, while a handful of younger players earned spots by expanding what they can do.

There are still decisions that could change after waivers, medical updates and outside additions. But based on training camp, three preseason games and how this roster fits what Detroit wants to run in 2026, this is the 53 I would take into the season.

OFFENSE | 24 PLAYERS

QUARTERBACK: 2

• Jared Goff

• Josh Dobbs

Dobbs wins QB2 because he gives Detroit the better option if Goff has to miss meaningful snaps. Luke Altmyer showed enough arm talent and composure to continue developing, but Dobbs is more prepared to manage protections, pressure and an NFL offense today.

Altmyer should be one of Detroit’s highest-priority practice-squad players, unless another QB cut becomes available. As previously noted, my sources have confirmed that the Lions have eyes on Aidan O’Connell, and there could be others.

Practice Squad: Luke Altmyer

RUNNING BACK: 4

• Jahmyr Gibbs - Isiah Pacheco

• Sione Vaki - Jacob Saylors

Saylors finished the preseason with 100 yards on 17 carries against Indianapolis and has contributed in the return game. Williams made the decision difficult after arriving late and producing immediately, including two touchdowns against Indianapolis. Saylors offers more established special-teams flexibility and has been in the offense longer.

The only way Williams makes this roster is if Pacheco is somehow on IR To Return. I do believe there is a case to be made for Williams to make this roster over Vaki, but the special teams aspect is what may hold Vaki to this roster.

Trayveon Williams is my 61st player

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Jabari Small

• Roydell Williams

VET SQUAD POTENTIAL:

• Trayveon WIlliams

WIDE RECEIVER: 5

• Amon-Ra St. Brown - Jameson Williams - Isaac TeSlaa

• Greg Dortch - Tay Martin

The top four are secure. St. Brown and Williams lead the room, TeSlaa continues to grow into a larger offensive role, and Dortch gives Detroit slot and return-game flexibility.

Tay Martin gets WR5 because he put together the more complete roster audition. He can cover kicks, block and handle reserve receiver snaps without needing targets to justify being active on game day.

I had Lucky Jackson on the 53 after his five-catch, 94-yard performance against Indianapolis, but I ran out of roster spots elsewhere. He showed enough as a receiver to make this one of the harder cuts, and I believe there is a real chance another team claims him if Detroit exposes him to waivers.

Dominic Lovett still has developmental upside but never eliminated the mistakes consistently enough to win the job. Tom Kennedy remains dependable depth, and I do believe there is an outside chance Detroit rewards him with a roster spot after eight seasons of doing everything asked of him. But Dortch already fills much of the slot and return role Kennedy would occupy.

Dominic Lovett is my 59th player

Lucky Jackson is my 62nd player

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Malik Cunningham

• Tarik Black

• Lucky Jackson

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Dominic Lovett

VET SQUAD

• Tom Kennedy

INJURY PLACEMENTS

• Kendrick Law (IR)

• Cedric Wilson (IR)

TIGHT END: 4

• Sam LaPorta - Brock Wright

• Tyler Conklin - Jackson Meeks

With Sam LaPorta dealing with an injury, I don’t see Detroit carrying only three tight ends. Drew Petzing’s offense has shown a willingness to use 13 personnel, and if the Lions want three tight ends on the field at the same time, they need a fourth available to protect the package and handle injuries.

Jackson Meeks gives Detroit a different type of player at the position. He is still developing after converting from wide receiver, but his hybrid role has continued to grow. Against Washington, Meeks led Detroit with four catches for 33 yards, converted a critical fourth down and forced the game-sealing fumble on kickoff coverage. He followed that with a touchdown reception from Josh Dobbs against Indianapolis and solid blocking work.

Meeks can line up as a big slot, H-back or detached tight end, giving Petzing another way to change formations without automatically changing personnel. His special-teams production also gives Detroit a reason to dress him even when his offensive snaps are limited.

Zach Horton remains a developmental player worth keeping in the organization, but he is better suited for the practice squad while Detroit carries four more game-ready options on the active roster.

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Thomas Gordon

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Zach Horton

OFFENSIVE LINE: 9

Starting Five

• Penei Sewell - Christian Mahogany - Juice Scruggs

• Tate Ratledge - Blake Miller

Backups

• Larry Borom - Miles Frazier - Ben Bartch - Mason Miller

With Cade Mays sidelined, Detroit’s starting five projects as Sewell, Mahogany, Scruggs, Ratledge and Blake Miller. Borom provides a veteran swing tackle, Frazier can cover guard and tackle, and Bartch gives Detroit experienced interior depth.

The final spot goes to Mason Miller. He entered the Colts game with almost no experience at center and delivered one of his best performances of the preseason, consistently creating movement outside of one botched exchange. With Ratledge also cross-trained at center, Detroit has two emergency options behind Scruggs until Mays returns.

That squeezes out Seth McLaughlin. He remains the more natural center, but he finished the preseason in concussion protocol, missed the Indianapolis game and several practices, and regressed against Washington. Miller’s stronger finish and broader interior flexibility give Detroit the better game-day option.

Seth McLaughlin is my 58th player

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Devin Cochran

• Melvin Priestly

• Colby Sorsdal

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Seth McLaughlin

VET SQUAD

• Gus Hartwig

INJURY PLACEMENTS

• Cade Mays (IR/R)

• Giovanni Manu (R/NFI)

INJURY DECISION

• Michael Niese: Injury designation likely if he is unable to pass a physical

SKYLER GILL-HOWARD INTERVIEW

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DEFENSE | 26 PLAYERS

INTERIOR DEFENSIVE LINE: 4

• Alim McNeill - Tyleik Williams

• Skyler Gill-Howard - Chris Smith

McNeill and Williams anchor the interior, while Gill-Howard earned his roster spot with a strong second half of camp and continued interior pressure through the preseason. Chris Smith gives Detroit a different type of tackle. He can play the nose, absorb double teams and handle the dirty work that keeps the linebackers clean.

The Lions need a handshake deal to keep another position. That leaves Levi Onwuzurike on the wrong side of my 53. He has proven NFL pass-rush ability, but his camp never consistently matched that previous production.

Mekhi Wingo is another difficult decision, but Gill-Howard passed him as the developmental penetrating tackle. Ben Stille’s versatility made him a legitimate roster candidate, his story is fun and he is a strong candidate to sneak onto =this roster should the Lions go light at another position. But carrying only four interior tackles creates room elsewhere on the 53.

Tyre West remains a developmental player I want back. The seventh-round rookie has power, quickness and some inside-outside flexibility, but Detroit’s defensive-line depth kept him buried throughout camp. He belongs on the practice squad where the Lions can continue developing him without using one of the 53 spots.

Levi Onwuzurike is my 54th player

Ben Stille is my 56th player

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Tyre West

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Tyre West

• Mekhi Wingo

• Ben Stille

VET SQUAD

• Myles Adams

• Levi Onwuzurike

EDGE: 5

• Aidan Hutchinson - DJ Wonnum

• Tyler Lacy - Derrick Moore - Ahmed Hassanein

This room settled itself before the Colts game. Hutchinson is the premier rusher, Wonnum gives Detroit another proven edge, and Lacy can play big end while reducing inside when needed.

Moore remains part of the developmental pass-rush rotation, while Hassanein earned his spot with one of the strongest camps on the defensive front. His move to big end gave Detroit a better use for his power, motor and ability to hold the edge.

Eric O’Neill made this decision uncomfortable—he consistently generated pressure throughout camp and the preseason, but Detroit asks its edge defenders to defend the run as well, and O’Neill still gets displaced too often when offenses attack him directly. He makes a better developmental option for the practice squad.

Anthony Lucas has the length and athleticism to continue developing, but he never created enough separation in a deep room to win one of the final five spots.

O’Neill is my 55th player

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Anthony Lucas

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Eric O’Neill

VET SQUAD

INJURY PLACEMENTS

• Payton Turner (IR)

LINEBACKER: 6

• Jack Campbell - Derrick Barnes - Devin White

• Malcolm Rodriguez - Trevor Nowaske - Joe Bachie

The top five are secure, and this time I am keeping Joe Bachie on the 53 over Erick Hunter. Bachie can play all three linebacker positions, communicate the defense and contribute immediately on special teams. With Trevor Nowaske recently injured and Damone Clark already on IR, Detroit needs a dependable veteran who can step into the defense without changing assignments or personnel usage.

That leaves Erick Hunter on the wrong side of the numbers. The undrafted rookie showed legitimate athleticism, developmental upside and enough special-teams ability to make this a difficult decision. But Bachie gives Detroit the safer opening-day option if one of the starters has to leave a game, and that experience carries more weight while the room is dealing with injuries.

Jimmy Rolder remains part of the long-term plan, but his hamstring injury kept him out through most of the competitive portion of camp. Detroit may have preserved an IR-to-return designation by placing Payton Turner directly on IR, giving the Lions a path to stash Rolder while he finishes his recovery without using an active roster spot.

Erick Hunter is my 57th player

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Troy Reeder

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Erick Hunter

VET SQUAD

• Amen Ogbongbemiga

INJURY PLACEMENTS

• Jimmy Rolder (IR/R)

• Damone Clark (IR)

SECONDARY: 11

CORNERBACK: 6

• D.J. Reed - Rock Ya-Sin

• Nick Whiteside - Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

• Keith Abney - Khalil Dorsey

Reed and Ya-Sin give Detroit veteran options outside, while Whiteside earned his roster spot with one of the strongest camps in the secondary.

Rakestraw remains inconsistent but sticky in coverage, and his interception against Indianapolis was another positive step for the former second-round pick. Abney worked himself into meaningful sub-package snaps and can also help inside when Detroit needs another nickel option.

Dorsey is my final corner on the 53. His special-teams experience gives Detroit a reason to dress him on Sundays and separates him from the remaining depth corners.

Aamaris Brown helped himself late, including two pass breakups against Indianapolis. He also took some safety reps, but I still classify him as a corner. His late push was not enough to crack the initial 53, but he is a player I want back on the practice squad.

CUT / WAIVED / RELEASED:

• Ryan “Bump” Cooper

• Ekow Boye-Doe

• Eric Scott Jr.

• Jason Taylor II

PRACTICE SQUAD

• Dan Jackson

INJURY PLACEMENTS

• Brian Branch (R/PUP)

• Kerby Joseph (R/PUP)

NICKEL: 2

• Roger McCreary

• Christian Izien

McCreary gives Detroit an experienced nickel who can play aggressively near the line of scrimmage, handle man coverage inside and kick outside in an emergency.

Izien provides the versatility Kelvin Sheppard wants in the secondary. He can play nickel or safety, allowing Detroit to change coverage structures without automatically changing personnel.

Abney also gives Detroit another option inside if injuries or matchups force the Lions deeper into the cornerback room.

SAFETY: 3

• Avonte Maddox

• Chuck Clark

• Thomas Harper

Maddox and Clark give Detroit veteran experience while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph remain unavailable. Harper stays as the third true safety once his ankle allows him to return fully.

Izien provides additional safety flexibility from the nickel group, which allows Detroit to survive temporarily without using another active roster spot here.

Dan Jackson has developmental traits, but he did not do enough this summer to force his way onto the 53. The injuries at safety could create an early opportunity for him, which makes him one of my priority practice-squad players.

Dan Jackson is my 60th player.

SPECIALISTS: 3

• K Jake Bates

• P Jack Fox

• LS Hogan Hatten

There is no real roster competition here. Bates had an uneven preseason but never faced a legitimate challenger. Fox remains one of Detroit’s strongest specialists, and Hatten handles the long-snapping duties.

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Two preseason games have changed the conversation. I’m no longer trying to find 53 players—the harder question is which good players Detroit can afford to lose.

The offense is where the uncertainty remains. The interior offensive line still needs help, QB2 could change after league-wide cuts and injuries have complicated several depth decisions. That is where Brad Holmes can still alter this projection before Week 1.

Defensively, the opposite has happened. Young players such as Skyler Gill-Howard, Ahmed Hassanein, Keith Abney and Nick Whiteside have created legitimate competition behind the starters. Detroit suddenly has more playable depth along the defensive front and secondary than it did entering camp.

My projection remains 24 offensive players, 26 defensive players and three specialists—53 total. The injury designations are projections based strictly on the roster as it stood through August 23.

One preseason game remains, but the final roster is no longer about finding enough players who belong. Detroit has to decide which ones it can risk losing.

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Detroit Lions—The team bounced back, following the 16-14 preseason loss to Cincinnati with a 17-13 win over Washington. The second game gave several players fighting for the final roster spots another opportunity to make their case—and some took advantage of it—others, not so much.

The offensive line remains unsettled. The battles at running back, wide receiver and tight end have become clearer. Defensively, several young players have made it increasingly difficult to leave them off the roster.

This projection reflects the roster board created August 22 and information available through August 23. Any projected IR, Reserve/NFI or injury-settlement designation is exactly that—a projection for how Detroit could manage the roster.

This is not simply about identifying the 53 best players. Special teams, positional flexibility, injuries, developmental value and the ability to cover multiple jobs will determine several of the final spots.

OFFENSE | 24 PLAYERS

QUARTERBACK: 2

Behind Goff, the preseason has been far less stable. Rumor has it the Lions are watching the league-wide 53-man cuts for an upgrade. Keep an eye on Aidan O’Connell in Las Vegas. My sources tell me there is legitimate interest, and if the Raiders keep O’Connell, I believe it will be for one reason—trying to force a trade rather than lose him for nothing. With Mendoza the future and Cousins the bridge–O’connell is likely out either way. The Lions have averaged 2.2 QBs on the 53-man roster since 2021.

IN

• (QB1) Jared Goff

• (QB2) Joshua Dobbs

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Luke Altmyer

JOSHUA DOBBS

Through two preseason games, Dobbs played 51 offensive snaps, completing 11-of-20 passes for 106 yards with one interception while rushing three times for 62 yards and a 50-yard touchdown. Ball security is not a concern, as some would have you believe—the strip-sack-TD against Washington was hardly his fault. Dobbs showed exactly why his mobility and veteran experience can help this team win. The familiarity with Petzing gives Detroit a more established option behind Goff.

LUKE ALTMYER

Through two preseason games, Altmyer played 83 offensive snaps, completing 22-of-35 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. One Cincinnati interception bounced off Isaac TeSlaa’s hands; the second came trying to steal the game late. Against Washington, Altmyer improved to 9-of-13 for 86 yards without a turnover, but took four sacks. The undrafted rookie threw 22 touchdowns against five interceptions at Illinois in 2025. The arm and composure are worth developing; pressure recognition is why I prefer the P-Squad.

RUNNING BACK: 4

Petzing inherits a back capable of becoming the centerpiece of both the rushing and passing games. Jahmyr Gibbs enters 2026 after rushing for 1,223 yards at 5.0 yards per carry while adding 77 receptions, 616 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. Isiah Pacheco adds downhill power, but injuries have limited both Pacheco and Sione Vaki during camp.

The depth has responded. Jacob Saylors has rushed for 87 yards on only 14 preseason carries, and Detroit produced 169 rushing yards against Washington without its top backs available. Detroit has averaged exactly 4.0 running backs from 2021-2025.

IN

• Jahmyr Gibbs - Isiah Pacheco - Sione Vaki - Jacob Saylors

CUT/RELEASED

• Raheem Blackshear

• Jabari Small

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

Vet-Squad: Trayveon Williams

ISIAH PACHECO

Through two preseason games, Pacheco recorded zero offensive snaps and no statistics while dealing with a sprained MCL that has held him out of practice since August 4th. Detroit brought him in to provide an experienced, physical runner behind Gibbs with a similar but different style. Assuming his health remains manageable, Pacheco gives Petzing a proven NFL back with 51 NFL games, 42 starts, and 2,537 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns and a 4.4-yard career average.

SIONE VAKI

Through two preseason games, Vaki recorded zero offensive snaps while working his way back from a wild camp injury. He suffered a broken nose and an eye injury when a hand came through his facemask—one of the stranger injuries of Lions camp this summer. Through 27 NFL games, Vaki has 18 special-teams/defensive tackles, including 14 solo, one forced fumble and a 23.5-yard average on four kickoff returns. Detroit does not need RB3 carries from Vaki—his coverage and return production give him a weekly game-day role.

JACOB SAYLORS

Through two preseason games, Saylors played 49 offensive snaps and seven special-teams snaps, rushing 14 times for 87 yards—6.2 per carry—while catching three passes for 28 yards. That explosiveness is not limited to offense. Saylors led Detroit with 897 kickoff-return yards in 2025 and ranked seventh in the NFL with a 27.2-yard average. Campbell called him “pretty electric” during camp. Saylors can legitimately run the football and handle kickoff returns, giving RB4 a defined Sunday role instead of becoming an inactive roster spot.

WIDE RECEIVER: 5

The final spot comes down to which receiver can contribute without needing significant offensive volume. St. Brown, Williams and TeSlaa give Detroit its primary receiver structure, while Dortch adds an experienced slot and return option. Detroit could still choose to carry only four receivers because of Gibbs’ receiving ability, mixed with the likelyhood to carry four tight ends. However, carrying five provides better protection against injury and gives Petzing more personnel flexibility. The Lions have averaged 5.2 wide receivers on the initial roster.

IN

• Amon-Ra St. Brown - Jameson Williams - Isaac TeSlaa

• Greg Dortch - Tay Martin

CUT/RELEASED

• Malik Cunningham

• Tarik Black

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Dominic Lovett - Lucky Jackson

Vet-Squad: Tom Kennedy

Projected Injury List: Kendrick Law (IR) - Cedrick Wilson Jr. (IR)

GREG DORTCH

Through two preseason games, Dortch played 14 offensive snaps and four special-teams snaps, returned two punts for 24 yards and added a 22-yard kickoff return. There was immediate pop against Washington—a 16-yard punt return followed by the 22-yard kick return. That matches his NFL history: Dortch owns an 8.9-yard career punt-return average and 23.6 on kickoffs. His quick burst and compact frame also fit Petzing’s underneath passing game. Dortch can replace Kalif Raymond’s return role while functioning as Detroit’s WR4.

TAY MARTIN

Through two preseason games, Martin played 61 offensive snaps and 13 special-teams snaps, catching two passes for 25 yards. His block helped spring Dobbs’ 50-yard touchdown against Washington, although a special-teams penalty remains a negative. Campbell specifically praised Martin’s blocking, one-on-one separation and special-teams work after Cincinnati. He also entered camp fresh off a 42-catch, 483-yard UFL season and earned first-team practice reps. Martin has done enough to earn my final receiver spot—after the injury to Cedric Wilson.

TIGHT END: 4

Petzing’s history with multiple-tight-end personnel changes the roster math in 2026. If history teaches us anything, the Lions learned how quickly this room can disappear. Sam LaPorta played only nine games before back surgery, and Brock Wright was later lost with a trachea injury. LaPorta still produced 489 yards and three touchdowns, but Detroit’s third-down efficiency dropped by more than 7% without him on the field. Over 214 third-down attempts, that difference equates to roughly 15 lost conversions. How many of those extra first downs could have changed the season—or put Detroit in the playoffs?

IN

• Sam LaPorta - Jackson Meeks

• Brock Wright - Tyler Conklin

CUT/RELEASED

• Thomas Gordon

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Zach Horton

BROCK WRIGHT

At 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds, Wright remains Detroit’s established in-line blocker. In Petzing’s heavier personnel packages, his 35 NFL starts carry more weight than preseason receiving numbers. Wright sat out Cincinnati before playing 12 offensive snaps and three special-teams snaps against Washington, catching his only target for three yards. He has been with Detroit for five seasons, appearing in 68 games with 35 starts, 70 receptions, 632 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wright started eight games in 2025 before a trachea injury ended his season.

TYLER CONKLIN

Through two preseason games, Conklin played 44 offensive snaps and four special-teams snaps, catching all four targets for 26 yards. Against Washington, his block helped spring Dobbs’ 50-yard touchdown. Conklin brings 127 NFL games, 69 starts, 270 receptions, 2,645 yards and 11 touchdowns, including four straight seasons with at least 51 catches from 2021–24. He was an afterthought with the Chargers last season, but Detroit is adding a tight end who has already proven he can handle starting volume and produce as a receiver.

JACKSON MEEKS

Through two preseason games, Meeks played 52 offensive snaps and 19 special-teams snaps, catching five passes for 50 yards. Against Washington, he added four catches for 33 yards and forced the late kickoff fumble that essentially ended the game. Receiving ability got Meeks into the conversation; his physical special-teams work is why keeping four tight ends now makes sense. Campbell called him “strong,” “willing” and “smart.”

The former receiver is still learning how to be a tight end—but his 78-catch, 1,021-yard season with Syracuse in 2024 is something to be excited about when it all clicks.

OFFENSIVE LINE: 9

This remains Detroit’s largest offensive concern. ESPN Analytics ranked the 2025 line 31st in pass-block win rate at 56% and 20th in run-block win rate at 71%, while Lions quarterbacks were sacked 39 times. The problems have carried into August. Cade Mays suffered a significant wrist injury, Michael Niese was injured against Washington and Detroit surrendered five sacks in that game. The starting configuration is becoming clearer, but the interior depth remains developmental. My sources have signaled the Lions are looking outside the organization for upgrades to the interior—meaning this group of backups could still change before Week 1.

IN

• (LT) Penei Sewell - (LT/RT) Larry Borom

• (LG) Christian Mahogany - (RG) Tate Ratledge - (G) Mason Miller

• (C) Juice Scruggs - (C) Seth McLaughlin

• (RT) Blake Miller - (T/G) Miles Frazier

CUT/RELEASED

• Devin Cochran

• Melvin Priestly

• Colby Sorsdal

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

Vet-Squad: Ben Bartch

Projected Injury List:

Giovanni Manu (R/NFI) - Cade Mays (IR/R) - Michael Niese (TBD)

MILES FRAZIER

Detroit drafted Frazier in the fifth round after starting 50 games for LSU, (37 at guard, 13 at tackle), allowing only four sacks on 1,564 pass-blocking snaps—and zero sacks allowed on 578 snaps in 2024. Frazier lost most of his rookie development to a knee injury suffered during OTAs, missed training camp, preseason and the first nine weeks of the regular season. He appeared in just five games, playing 46 offensive snaps.

Through two preseason games, Frazier played 114 offensive snaps, including all 66 against Cincinnati, where three holding penalties showed how much development remains. Frazier is a 4-way position flex—and that development will continue in 2026.

SETH McLAUGHLIN

Through two preseason games, McLaughlin played 90 offensive snaps and seven special-teams snaps, primarily at center. Cincinnati showed his best traits. On one rep, he moved back across the formation to help Christian Mahogany finish a block—showing awareness in pass protection, quick processing against movement, lateral quickness and the ability to identify late pressure.

Washington exposed the concern scouts had coming out of Ohio State—lack of power. Stronger interior rushers knocked him backward, created penetration and forced the pocket to move. McLaughlin committed a false start, was charged with a sack and was involved in multiple negative run plays. The Lions are strapped for center depth, and McLaughlin is not my first choice. I do have confidence the ability is there—I’m afraid he just needs a lot of reps right now.

MASON MILLER

Through two preseason games, Miller played 79 offensive snaps and five special-teams snaps—27 at right guard against Cincinnati before moving to left guard for 52 against Washington. In the second half against Washington, Miller consistently generated movement in the run game. The position is not new: at North Dakota State he logged 2,630 offensive-line snaps, including 1,845 at right tackle and 744 at guard. Detroit is not teaching a college tackle to play inside from scratch; Miller already has enough guard experience to develop on either side.

LARRY BOROM

Through two preseason games, Borom played 54 offensive snaps and five special-teams snaps. Against Cincinnati, he had the cleaner day, although he was beaten on one of Detroit’s two sacks allowed. Washington was much worse—he lost his first pass-protection rep, contributing to the strip-sack fumble returned for a touchdown, then was beaten again on the next possession before Dobbs threw an interception.

Borom has 38 NFL starts, and Detroit credited him with only one sack allowed across 664 offensive snaps for Miami in 2025. One poor preseason performance does not erase five years of starting experience. Borom does not need to win a starting job—he needs to give Detroit a veteran tackle capable of entering a game on either side without forcing the entire line to reshuffle.

SKYLER GILL-HOWARD INTERVIEW

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DEFENSE | 26 PLAYERS

DEFENSIVE LINE: 5

Detroit’s interior rotation is built around players with distinctly different jobs. Alim McNeill and Tyleik Williams anchor the starting structure, Levi Onwuzurike can rush from 3-technique or kick outside, Chris Smith is the 320-pound nose capable of eating double teams, and Skyler Gill-Howard attacks guards with first-step speed. A defense expected to play more nickel, Detroit needs both a true nose and an interior penetrator rather than five tackles built from the same mold.

IN

• Alim McNeill - Tyleik Williams

• Levi Onwuzurike - Skyler Gill-Howard - Chris Smith

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Mekhi Wingo - Tyre West

Vet-Squad: Myles Adams

LEVI ONWUZURIKE

Through two preseason games, Onwuzurike played 33 defensive snaps and two special-teams snaps, recording three tackles. Against Washington, his power showed up from multiple alignments—starting inside at 3-technique and kicking outside to 5-technique, where he consistently stressed blockers. The larger question is whether the 2024 version has returned. Onwuzurike generated 47 pressures and 13 quarterback hits across 697 snaps that season before losing 2025 to an ACL injury. If that interior pressure returns, Detroit can use him as both a penetrating tackle and big end without asking him to carry starter-level snaps.

CHRIS SMITH

Through two preseason games, Smith played 41 defensive snaps and six special-teams snaps, recording three tackles. His roster value is not built around sacks or highlight plays. Smith handles interior gaps, absorbs blocks and consistently performs the assignments that allow Detroit’s linebackers and other defensive linemen to finish plays. That role remains necessary even in a deeper defensive-line room. Detroit knows what it gets from Smith, and his reliability keeps him in my five-man interior rotation.

SKYLER GILL-HOWARD

Through two preseason games, Gill-Howard played 61 defensive snaps and five special-teams snaps, producing three quarterback hits and a tackle for loss. His first-step quickness has been a problem for guards—attacking their edges before they can square him up and repeatedly forcing quarterbacks off their spot. Against Washington, the film review identified as many as five pressure-worthy reps, grading out with an 80.8 efficiency on defense. At 6-foot, 280 pounds, he is undersized for Detroit’s traditional interior profile, but that lower build, leverage and burst are ideal for attacking slower guards from the 3-technique in nickel. The run defense still needs development; the interior pass rush already looks NFL-ready.

I INTERVIEWED SKYLER GILL-HOWARD 2 DAYS POST DRAFT

EDGE: 5

Hutchinson and Wonnum provide the starting structure, while Moore adds immediate pass-rush upside behind them. Lacy gives Detroit a heavier edge defender who can reduce inside, and Hassanein has shown enough disruption to earn a rotational role. This group works because the players are interchangeable. Detroit can change its front without substituting entire personnel packages, giving Kelvin Sheppard more flexibility against different offensive looks. The remaining competition is about developmental depth rather than replacing anyone currently projected inside the five.

IN

• Aidan Hutchinson, D.J. Wonnum

• Derrick Moore, Tyler Lacy, Ahmed Hassanein

CUT/RELEASED

• Ben Stille

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Eric O’Neill - Anthony Lucas

Projected Injury List: Payton Turner (SETTLEMENT)

DERRICK MOORE

Moore missed Cincinnati with a groin injury, then needed only 25 defensive snaps and four special-teams snaps against Washington to produce two tackles, an 11-yard sack, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hit and a forced fumble. Sheppard has experimented with standing Moore up—and rushing from wider alignments rather than locking him into one edge spot. The second-round rookie is still learning NFL run fits, an area of his game that needs the most work. If Moore provides explosion and finishing ability behind Hutchinson and Wonnum—this unit should have a legitimate shot at becoming a top 5 EDGE rotation this season.

TYLER LACY

Lacy played 20 defensive snaps and two special-teams snaps, recording two tackles through both preseason games. The numbers are quiet, but his role is different from Detroit’s speed rushers. At 6-foot-4, 300 pounds, Lacy is a defensive tackle in a 4-3 or defensive end in a 3-4—he has the mass to set the edge against tackles and tight ends or reduce inside. That positional flexibility allows Sheppard to change alignments without substituting personnel.

He has already played 38 NFL games with 12 starts, producing 58 tackles and six quarterback hits. That size becomes especially useful in nickel—Detroit can remove a linebacker without becoming lighter at the line of scrimmage.

AHMED HASSANEIN

Through two preseason games, Hassanein played 48 defensive snaps and 11 special-teams snaps, producing four tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble. Most of the damage came against Cincinnati—he immediately announced his comeback by putting Joe Burrow on the ground on his first preseason snap. That wasn’t all, he was disruptive and created pressure throughout the game. Washington was a quiet afternoon, but his burst and effort remained evident. Hassanein has also contributed on special teams—giving himself another way to stay in the game.

Hassanein plays with violent hands, heavy contact and a nonstop motor. He put up 22 sacks and 33 tackles for loss over his final two Boise State seasons—that same disruptive power is translating to Detroit.

LINEBACKER: 6

Detroit’s linebackers were one of the more dependable units on the 2025 defense. Jack Campbell finished second in the NFL with 176 tackles and added five sacks, while Detroit finished with one of the league’s lowest missed-tackle totals. Alex Anzalone is gone in 2026, and Kelvin Sheppard is preparing to use significantly more nickel personnel. In theory, a nickel-heavy defense reduces the number of snaps available for a third linebacker.

The final spots in this room must contribute on special teams and cover multiple linebacker assignments. I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit kept only five. But with Trevor Nowaske and Malcolm Rodriguez among the better special-teams players on the roster, keeping six linebackers is easier to justify.

IN

• Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Devin White

• Malcolm Rodriguez, Damone Clark, Trevor Nowaske

CUT/RELEASED

• Amon Ogbongbemiga

• Troy Reeder

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Eric Hunter

Vet-Squad: Joe Bachie

Projected Injury List: Jimmy Rolder (IR/R)

MALCOLM RODRIGUEZ

Rodriguez missed Cincinnati with an ankle injury, then returned against Washington for 19 defensive snaps and five special-teams snaps, recording two assisted tackles and a quarterback hit. Rather than locking him in as an every-down WILL linebacker, Sheppard used him in multiple situations—goal line, coverage and backup MIKE. Four seasons of NFL tape back it up: 50 games, 25 starts, 164 tackles and three sacks. Rodriguez does not need to win the starting WILL job or to beat out Devin White to justify the spot; he can back up multiple linebacker assignments and remain active on special teams without forcing the defense to change its calls when a starter exits the field.

DAMONE CLARK

Clark recorded zero preseason snaps through two games while dealing with an undisclosed injury, leaving Detroit without current game tape to evaluate. His argument comes from NFL experience: 55 games, 26 starts and 190 tackles before arriving in Detroit. At 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Clark has the range and starting experience to play meaningful defensive snaps rather than simply cover special teams. The issue is availability. Detroit has enough established tape to justify waiting for him rather than replacing him with an unproven sixth linebacker.

DEVIN WHITE

Through two preseason games, White played 45 defensive snaps and recorded six tackles. Detroit already knew it was adding an experienced downhill linebacker—the 2025 season proved he can still handle an enormous workload. White started all 17 games for Las Vegas and set a Raiders franchise record with 174 tackles, adding 11 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. His acceleration downhill allows him to attack interior gaps before blockers reach the second level. After several injury-interrupted seasons, White enters Detroit coming off the healthiest and most productive tackling season of his career.

The Lions now have the #2 & #3 top tacklers from 2025—a combined 350 tackles between Jack Campbell and Devin White.

TREVOR NOWASKE

Through two preseason games, Nowaske played 46 defensive snaps and five special-teams snaps, recording seven tackles and a tackle for loss. Detroit has used him both off the ball and near the line of scrimmage, where his length and downhill acceleration show up as a blitzer and run defender. In 2025, Nowaske finished with 12 special-teams tackles—the second-most on Detroit’s coverage units. He is also a backup green-dot communicator and can handle multiple linebacker roles, giving Sheppard another pressure piece without sacrificing special-teams production.

SECONDARY

OUTSIDE CORNERBACK: 5

Detroit enters 2026 still searching for stability outside. The 2025 secondary produced 93 pass breakups—fourth-most in the NFL—but the defense finished 28th in opponent red-zone passer rating at 104.3 and allowed 19 red-zone passing touchdowns without an interception. Injuries also prevented the starting secondary from developing continuity.

Detroit’s defensive structure places pressure on corners to tackle and understand where their help is coming from. Carrying five outside options gives Sheppard enough depth without sacrificing the secondary flexibility provided by the nickel and safety rooms. The preseason has shown physical tackling and ball disruption, but deep-ball coverage remains inconsistent.

IN

• D.J. Reed - Rock Ya-Sin

• Nick Whiteside - Keith Abney II - Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

CUT/RELEASED

• Ryan Cooper Jr.

• Ekow Boye-Doe

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

Vet-Squad: Khalil Dorsey

NICK WHITESIDE

Through two preseason games, Whiteside played 62 defensive snaps and 19 special-teams snaps, recording five tackles and a pass breakup. Cincinnati continued what had been a strong camp, but Washington exposed the concern—vertical speed. Whiteside surrendered three receptions for 69 yards, including a 55-yard completion after losing the receiver downfield. That game cannot be ignored, but neither can the first-team reps he earned throughout camp. Detroit must decide whether Washington exposed a permanent limitation or simply produced Whiteside’s worst afternoon of the summer.

KEITH ABNEY II

Through two preseason games, Abney played 61 defensive snaps and 21 special-teams snaps, recording eight tackles and recovering a red-zone fumble. His Cincinnati tape showed the same physical tackling and ball awareness Detroit drafted. At Arizona State, Abney recorded 98 tackles, 21 pass defenses and six interceptions across three seasons; opposing quarterbacks completed only 44.4% of their throws at him in 2025. Detroit has also tested him inside. Abney’s ability to tackle, play the football and contribute on special teams gives him multiple ways to earn Sunday snaps as a rookie.

ENNIS RAKESTRAW JR.

Through two preseason games, Rakestraw played 46 defensive snaps and nine special-teams snaps, recording eight tackles and a pass breakup. His physical press coverage remains his best trait—using length and contact at the line to disrupt timing before receivers enter their routes. The issue remains availability. Injuries have interrupted nearly every stage of his NFL development, including a 2025 season without a regular-season appearance. At 24, Detroit still has time to develop the former second-round pick, but the evaluation can no longer separate talent from durability.

NICKEL CORNERBACK: 2

Nickel becomes far more important if Sheppard reduces Detroit’s traditional 4-3 usage. The Lions finished ninth overall on third down in 2025 at 36.9%, but the defense struggled when opponents reached obvious passing situations—converting 26.7% of third-and-10 or longer against Detroit. Roger McCreary and Christian Izien give the defense two experienced interior options, while other defensive backs have been cross-trained inside. The objective is not simply adding another corner. Detroit needs nickel defenders who can disguise coverage, tackle in space and survive against bigger slot receivers without forcing constant substitutions.

IN

• Roger McCreary

• Christian Izien

CUT/RELEASED

• Aamaris Brown

CHRISTIAN IZIEN

Through two preseason games, Izien played 31 defensive snaps and seven special-teams snaps, recording two assisted tackles. Detroit used him heavily against Cincinnati before reducing him to five defensive snaps against Washington. His NFL résumé explains why the Lions do not need excessive preseason evaluation. Izien has already played 45 NFL games with 15 starts while handling both nickel and safety assignments. That positional history allows Sheppard to move him within the secondary without teaching a new position if injuries force Detroit to change its starting combination.

SAFETY: 3

Detroit’s 2025 deep coverage problems cannot be separated from the health of this room. Kerby Joseph appeared in only six games and Brian Branch played 12, leaving the starting pair together for just six games. Opponents posted a 109.4 passer rating on throws traveling at least 21 yards, producing 1,041 yards and nine touchdowns. With Joseph and Branch projected for reserve designations, Detroit opens 2026 without its preferred safety combination again. Chuck Clark, Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper must prevent explosive passes long enough for the room to get healthy.

IN

• Chuck Clark, Avonte Maddox

• Thomas Harper

ASSUMED ROSTER PLACEMENTS

P-Squad: Dan Jackson

Projected Injury List: Kerby Joseph (R/NFI) & Brian Branch (R/NFI)

THOMAS HARPER

Harper played 39 defensive snaps and 12 special-teams snaps against Cincinnati, recording three tackles and a pass breakup before sitting out Washington. This is not his first NFL evaluation. Harper played 12 games for Detroit in 2025 after logging 264 special-teams snaps with Las Vegas in 2024. His ability to contribute immediately on coverage teams becomes more important while the safety room is injured. Detroit needs someone capable of handling defensive snaps without becoming a special-teams liability—Harper has already shown he can do both.

SPECIALISTS: 3

Detroit’s specialists remain one of the least complicated rooms on the roster. Jake Bates made 27-of-34 field goals in 2025 and 54-of-56 extra points, while five of his seven misses came from beyond 50 yards. Jack Fox again remained one of the league’s stronger punters, and Hogan Hatten provides continuity at long snapper. The real 2026 competition is in the return game after Kalif Raymond’s departure. Greg Dortch immediately created field-position potential against Washington, giving Detroit a proven candidate without using a separate roster spot strictly for returns.

IN

• (K) Jake Bates - (P) Jack Fox - (LS) Hogan Hatten

• (PR/KR) Greg Dortch - (KR) Jacob Saylors

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ROCK’S READ

Two preseason games have changed the conversation. I’m no longer trying to find 53 players—the harder question is which good players Detroit can afford to lose.

The offense is where the uncertainty remains. The interior offensive line still needs help, QB2 could change after league-wide cuts and injuries have complicated several depth decisions. That is where Brad Holmes can still alter this projection before Week 1.

Defensively, the opposite has happened. Young players such as Skyler Gill-Howard, Ahmed Hassanein, Keith Abney and Nick Whiteside have created legitimate competition behind the starters. Detroit suddenly has more playable depth along the defensive front and secondary than it did entering camp.

My projection remains 24 offensive players, 26 defensive players and three specialists—53 total. The injury designations are projections based strictly on the roster as it stood through August 23.

One preseason game remains, but the final roster is no longer about finding enough players who belong. Detroit has to decide which ones it can risk losing.

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The Detroit Lions added another wide receiver to the roster this week, signing undrafted rookie Kyre Duplessis after fifth-round pick Kendrick Law suffered a torn ACL during OTAs.

Duplessis is not a household name. He was not drafted. He does not arrive in Detroit as a guaranteed roster piece. But he does arrive with an interesting profile: a late-blooming college receiver, a special teams background, a strong academic résumé, and one breakout season that put him on the NFL radar.

For Detroit, this is exactly the kind of signing that makes sense in June. The Lions needed another body in the receiver room after Law’s injury, and Duplessis brings enough receiving production and return-game ability to make him worth watching through training camp.

The College Path

Duplessis began his college career at Coastal Carolina, where he spent five seasons in the program from 2020 through 2024.

His early years were quiet. He redshirted in 2020 and saw limited action in 2021. In 2022, he played in 12 games, mostly on special teams, while catching two passes for 28 yards. His role grew slightly in 2023, when he played in 13 games and caught 16 passes for 242 yards and one touchdown. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games and caught five passes for 78 yards.

In total, Duplessis left Coastal Carolina with modest receiving numbers: 23 catches, 348 yards and one touchdown. But that does not tell the full story. His Coastal Carolina background was built heavily around special teams, development, patience and waiting for a bigger offensive opportunity.

That opportunity finally came at Delaware.

The Breakout At Delaware

Duplessis transferred to Delaware for the 2025 season and immediately became a much bigger part of the offense.

In one season with the Blue Hens, he started all 13 games and caught 60 passes for 824 yards and five touchdowns. Those were all major career highs. He also added three carries for 19 yards and contributed in the return game.

That return ability matters. Duplessis returned three punts for 78 yards, including a 68-yard touchdown return, and he was named Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week after that performance.

His 2025 season earned him Conference USA First Team honors, Phil Steele All-CUSA First Team recognition, CUSA All-Academic Team honors and a spot on the Conference USA Academic Honor Roll.

That is the profile Detroit is betting on: not a perfect prospect, but a player who kept developing, transferred up into a bigger role, produced when given the opportunity, and showed value on special teams.

What Kind Of Receiver Is He?

Duplessis is listed around 5-foot-10 to 5-foot-11 and roughly 190 to 195 pounds, depending on the source. He is not considered a pure burner. Reports have his 40-yard dash around 4.6 seconds, which means his NFL path probably is not built around simply running past corners on the outside.

At Delaware, he played a lot outside, but his NFL projection likely points more toward the slot, gadget touches, quick-game usage and special teams.

That fits what showed up in his final college season. Delaware used him on quick slants, manufactured touches, sideline routes, yards-after-catch plays and even some backfield looks. He is more of a space receiver than a traditional vertical field-stretcher.

The positives are his balance, instincts, body control and ability to make things happen with the ball in his hands. The concern is whether he can separate consistently against NFL defensive backs.

How He Fits With The Lions

The Lions already have their top receiver picture mostly set. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the engine of the passing game. Jameson Williams brings vertical speed. Isaac TeSlaa is being counted on as a bigger second-year piece. Detroit also has other depth options fighting for roles, including Greg Dortch, Tom Kennedy, Jackson Meeks, Dominic Lovett, Malik Cunningham and Cedrick Wilson.

That means Duplessis is not walking into an easy path on offense.

His best chance is likely special teams.

That is where his background matters. He played special teams at Coastal Carolina, returned punts at Delaware, and has experience producing without needing a full offensive workload. For a player at the bottom of the roster, that can be the difference between being just another camp receiver and being someone the coaching staff keeps watching.

Rock’s Read

Kyre Duplessis is not a replacement for Kendrick Law in the sense that Detroit simply plugged in another draft pick-level prospect. But he is a logical addition after Law’s injury.

He gives the Lions another receiver for camp, another possible return-game option, and another young player with enough versatility to compete.

The story with Duplessis is development. He waited at Coastal Carolina, transferred to Delaware, finally got a real offensive opportunity, and turned it into an all-conference season. Now he gets a chance to prove that late breakout was not just a one-year flash.

For Detroit, this is a low-risk signing with a clear purpose.

Duplessis has to win on special teams, show he can handle slot work, and prove he can create after the catch against NFL competition. If he does that, he gives himself a chance to stick around.

The concern is whether he has enough true game-changing speed to become a serious return option. In today’s NFL, especially with the tightened kickoff alignment forcing coverage units into confined space much quicker, returners need more than just reliability. They need burst, vision, contact balance, and the ability to hit a crease before it disappears. Duplessis has return experience, but he will have to prove his play speed can translate against NFL athletes.

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Kendrick Law was supposed to be one of those late-round Detroit Lions rookies fans could track all summer. Not because he was walking into Allen Park as a guaranteed starter. He was not. The intrigue was his path: speed, return ability, SEC experience, and enough versatility to fight for a role at the back end of the wide receiver room.

The Injury Ends Law’s First-Year Opportunity

Dan Campbell said Law tore his ACL during a non-contact drill at Tuesday’s OTA practice. The injury is expected to sideline him for the entire 2026 season.

Campbell did not sugarcoat it. He said he hated it for Law and that the rookie had been doing a good job.

That is the difficult part of this one. Law was not just another camp body. Detroit traded up 13 spots in the fifth round to draft him at No. 168 overall out of Kentucky. Before that, he played at Alabama, where Brad Holmes had already taken notice of his ability.

At Kentucky, Law became more involved as a receiver and return option, finishing his final college season with 53 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns.

Why Detroit Had A Real Role To Evaluate

Law’s path to the roster was probably going to start on special teams.

The Lions still have their top receiving group built around Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa, but Law had a chance to compete for return reps, push the bottom of the receiver room, and give the coaching staff another athletic player to develop.

That is why the injury is impactful for Detroit. The Lions lose a full summer of evaluation on a player they clearly liked enough to trade up for.

This does not crush the receiver room. It does change the bottom of the depth chart.

The Receiver Battle Opens Up Behind Him

Detroit has already added undrafted rookie wide receiver Kyre Duplessis, giving the Lions another body during OTA work.

Duplessis is not a direct replacement for Law, but his opportunity gets more interesting now. There are extra snaps, return reps, and practice evaluations available. That is where summer depth battles are won.

The top of the room is still clear. The bottom just became more open.

For Law, the job changes completely. This is no longer about making an early impression in training camp. It is about surgery, rehab, patience, and staying connected to the building while the rest of the rookie class gets its first NFL season.

Rock’s Read

Kendrick Law’s injury is brutal because he had a real summer opportunity in front of him. Detroit did not need him to become a star right away, but his return ability, athletic traits, and special teams value gave him a clear path to compete. Now the Lions lose a year of development, and the bottom of the receiver room becomes a more important camp battle.

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LB Damone Clark | Detroit Lions | 2026 NFL Free Agency Profile

Ht: 6’ 3” (6030) | Wt: 240 | Hand: 9.75” | Arm: 33” | Wing: 78.5” | Ape: 1.05
2025 Stats (DAL/HOU): 14 Games | 28 Tackles | 1 TFL | 0.5 Sacks | 131 ST Snaps
Career Stats: 55 Games (26 Starts) | 198 Tackles | 6 TFLs | 2 FF
Key Metrics 2023: 5.4% Missed Tackle Rate | 109 Tackles | 0 Games Missed
Contract: 1-Year (Terms Undisclosed) | Role: WILL LB / Core Special Teams

Former teammate Micah Parsons has consistently praised Clark's elite top-end speed and physical traits, famously telling the media during Clark's rookie year that the former LSU linebacker was actually faster than him. When fans debated the quote, the tracking data backed Parsons up. Next Gen Stats officially clocked Damone Clark hitting 22.19 MPH while chasing down quarterback Justin Fields in 2022—making it the fastest max speed ever recorded by a linebacker in the NGS era.

The Bio & Medical Background: Baton Rouge Iron Man

Beginning his football journey in Baton Rouge, Damone Clark developed a psychological callousness that would define his professional trajectory. Earning the prestigious No. 18 jersey at LSU—awarded only to the player who epitomizes the Tigers’ absolute standard of accountability—Clark produced a 135-tackle First-Team All-SEC campaign in 2021. However, his path hit a terrifying roadblock. Just prior to the 2022 NFL Draft, an MRI revealed a herniated disc requiring spinal fusion surgery. Dropping to the fifth round where Dallas selected him 176th overall, Clark defied the medical timeline. He returned to the field halfway through his rookie season.

Read more

Why the Lions Signed Arthur Maulet

The Detroit Lions made a move this week to shore up their secondary, signing veteran cornerback Arthur Maulet to the practice squad. The timing comes just as the team received encouraging news on rookie standout Terrion Arnold, who is expected to return in October after a second opinion confirmed his shoulder injury won’t require surgery.

Even with that boost, Detroit’s cornerback room has been stretched thin, and Maulet provides a stabilizing presence with experience and toughness.

Depth and Injury Insurance

This signing is about more than just filling a roster spot—it’s about flexibility. With Arnold sidelined for at least a few more weeks and D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox rotating between slot and outside duties, the Lions needed another option who could step in immediately. Maulet has played in 85 career games with 23 starts, logging time with the Saints, Colts, Jets, Steelers, Ravens, and Texans.

He’s been in playoff environments, understands complex coverage schemes, and isn’t afraid to get physical in the run game. That makes him more than just a stopgap—he’s a plug-and-play veteran who can help stabilize a secondary that’s been tested early this season.

lions Injury Concerns

Terrion Arnold (CB): First shoulder injury suffered in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns, which he played through in the following week vs the Bengals.

• He was carted off the field during the final play of the third quarter against the Bengals. After the game, Dan Campbell said in his press conference that Arnold would be out “for a long time.” Campbell did not know if the injury was season ending at that time.

• A second opinion (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter) gave hope for a return sooner than expected, possibly late October.

• Status: Out, but could return this month. More likely to be week 9, after the week 8 bye.

D.J. Reed (CB): Placed on injured reserve (IR) on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, following a grade 2/3 hamstring injury sustained in the team’s Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns

• Earliest possible return: November - I misspoke in the video, he cannot come back till week 10, not week 9.

• Status: On IR.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB): Shoulder surgery in the summer.

• Declared out for the season before Week 1.

• Status: Season-ending IR.

Khalil Dorsey (CB/ST): Currently dealing with a recent wrist injury suffered in practice on October 3, 2025.

• Campbell said he’ll be “out for a while.”

• Status: Out, timeline TBD.

Scheme Fit

Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard and Campbell want corners who play with physicality, versatility, and toughness. Maulet checks all three boxes.

• He’s a strong run defender, willing to take on blocks and tackle in space.

• He can rotate in the slot, handle hybrid nickel roles, and even blitz off the edge.

• His ability to disguise pressure, blitz off timed concepts as well as contribute in the dime & nickel - makes him a natural fit for Detroit’s aggressive, multiple scheme, disguise-heavy system.

That kind of mid-season flexibility is rare, and it’s exactly what the Lions need as they navigate injuries.

The Dan Campbell Connection

Maulet spent two seasons with the New Orleans Saints (2017–2018) when Campbell was the assistant head coach. That familiarity matters—Campbell knows what he’s getting in Maulet: a player who understands the culture, the expectations, and the physical brand of football Detroit demands.

It’s no coincidence that Campbell and GM Brad Holmes turned to someone from Campbell’s past when the roster needed reinforcement.

What Maulet Brings From Baltimore

Maulet’s best season came in 2023 with the Ravens, where he played 14 games and recorded:

• 5 pass breakups

• 2 sacks

• 1 interception

• 37 tackles

He showed he could handle man, zone, and split-field concepts, adapting to whatever Baltimore’s defense required. In 2024, a knee injury limited him to just three games, which ultimately led to his release. He briefly signed with the Texans in 2025 before being cut at final roster trims.

Now, he lands in Detroit with a chance to carve out a role in a secondary that values his skill set.

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Key Plays and Highlights

Maulet’s tape shows why he’s more than just depth:

• Blitzing Ability: Both of his sacks in 2023 came on third downs, where his timing and disguise caught offenses off guard.

• Tackling in Space: Against the Chargers, he forced a fumble with a clean open-field tackle—exactly the kind of momentum-shifting play Detroit covets.

• Zone Coverage Awareness: Maulet reads routes well, breaks early, and prevents easy completions. His timing and positioning help keep defenses tight and reactive.

Rocks Final Take

This isn’t just a patchwork signing—it’s a smart, calculated move. Maulet adds experience, versatility, and grit to a Lions secondary that’s been stretched thin. He knows what it takes to play in high-pressure situations and walks into a system that rewards toughness and adaptability.

With Arnold on the mend, Reed out for several weeks and Dorsey down, the Lions are looking to lean on Robertson & Rock Ya Sin to hold down key roles. With Maulet now in the mix the secondary has more vet leadership in the room. Detroit is building a secondary that can rotate, disguise, and hit. The Lions aren’t just plugging holes—they’re reinforcing their identity. And Arthur Maulet fits that mold perfectly, nice work Brad!

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The Detroit Lions have turned back to a familiar face, bringing linebacker Ty Summers back into the fold as roster depth and special teams insurance. Summers, a former seventh-round pick out of TCU who has carved out a reputation as a high-motor, team-first journeyman, returns to Detroit after a preseason stint in 2024 and a full season with the New York Giants.

He may not grab headlines like a splashy free-agent signing, but his versatility, toughness, and special teams value make him the exact type of culture fit Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes continue to prioritize as Detroit pushes deeper into contender status.

Why Is Summers Back?

With recent injuries to RB Sione Vaki (hamstring/groin, Week 3) and LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring, Week 4), the Lions needed immediate reinforcements on special teams. Bringing back Summers—already proven as a special teams ace—fills that gap while adding depth to the linebacker room. Having spent time with Kelvin Sheppard in the linebacker room, and Dave Fipp’s special teams units in 2024, Summers is familiar with both systems.

Opportunity Knocks

Unfortunately, injuries have once again become a major storyline for the Lions in 2025. In his debut against the Ravens, Vaki didn’t make it out of the first half, limping off in the final minutes of the second quarter. Vaki has been dealing with hamstring injuries since the start of training camp, now compounded with the groin injury, Vaki may be down until after the bye week.

Detroit Lions linebacker Zach Cunningham suffered a hamstring injury during a week 4 practice and was ruled out for their Week 4 game against the Cleveland Browns on September 29, 2025. Cunningham has been a steady contributor across all four special teams units—kick coverage, kick return, punt return, and punt coverage—logging 61 snaps this season, 50 of them on special teams.

Fit with the Lions

Depth & Insurance: With Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Grant Stuard, Derrick Barnes, and Trevor Nowaske in the linebacker rotation, Summers provides veteran depth and can step in without disrupting chemistry.

Special Teams Boost: Detroit has emphasized special teams as a winning edge under Dave Fipp. Summers’ return strengthens that unit immediately. Vaki missed the Lions’ Week 1 loss to the Packers due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the final preseason game against the Texans.

Culture Match: Summers’ work ethic and willingness to embrace any role align perfectly with the Lions’ identity. He’s not here to be a star—he’s here to be reliable, accountable, and tough.

Style of Play

Special Teams Specialist: Summers’ bread and butter is special teams. He’s lane-disciplined, physical, and a reliable tackler in space—exactly the type of player coaches trust to stabilize coverage units.

Linebacker Traits: He plays downhill with aggression, takes on blocks willingly, and thrives in short-area tackling situations. However, he’s not a rangy coverage linebacker and can be exposed against athletic tight ends or running backs in space.

High-Motor, High-Character: Summers is known for his relentless effort and team-first mentality. He’s not a star, but he’s the kind of glue player who raises the floor of a roster and embodies the “grit” culture Dan Campbell preaches.

NFL Career Timeline

Green Bay Packers (2019–2021): Drafted in the 7th round (226th overall), Summers carved out a role as a special teams ace. He played 46 games, logging 52 tackles, and became a trusted piece in coverage units, though he never locked down a starting linebacker role.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2022): Briefly claimed off waivers, then shifted to the practice squad. His time in Jacksonville was short, but it kept him in the league as a depth option.

New Orleans Saints (2022–2023): Signed off Jacksonville’s practice squad, Summers provided depth at linebacker and continued to shine on special teams. His reliability in that phase of the game kept him roster-relevant.

Detroit Lions (2024 preseason): Summers flashed in limited preseason action—10 tackles, 2 TFL, and a sack in just two games. Despite being released before final cuts, he left a strong impression on Detroit’s staff.

New York Giants (2024–2025): Played 16 games with two starts, recording 29 tackles and a pass deflection. Once again, his biggest impact came on special teams, where he logged over 270 snaps.

Detroit Lions Return (2025): Re-signed to Detroit’s practice squad in September 2025. With injuries at linebacker and special teams, Summers’ familiarity with the system and proven grit made him a natural fit to bring back.

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Rock’s Final Take:

With the Lions inching closer to their Week 8 bye, Ty Summers’ second stint in Detroit could last a week—or stretch longer depending on how the roster shakes out. With injuries to both Sione Vaki and Zach Cunningham, the move made perfect sense. Their uncertain timelines leave the linebacker room and special teams unit in need of immediate reinforcement, and Summers provides exactly that. The Detroit Lions Just Made A Smart, Timely Move To Stabilize Depth At Linebacker & Special Teams.

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Total Players On Practice Squad: 8.27.25 (15)

Lions practice squad

▶ RB Jacob Saylors | 1:37PM

▶ WR Ronnie Bell

▶ WR Jackson Meeks | 12:25pm

▶ WR Tom Kennedy | 1:27PM

▶ TE Zach Horton

▶ OL Trystan Colon | 1:26PM

▶ OL Dan Skipper | 1:01 PM (1ST TO REPORT)

▶ OL Mason Miller | 1:14PM

▶ OL Michael Niese

▶ DL Myles Adams | 2:19PM

▶ DL Keith Cooper Jr.

▶ DE Isaac Ukwu | 3:47PM

▶ LB Anthony Pittman

▶ DB Erick Hallett

▶ S Loren Strickland

Roster Moves Left To Make: (2)

Rock’s Locks Scoreboard: 12/15

Latest Moves | 8.27.2025

Lions Traded Tim Patrick To The Panthers. Received A 2026 - 6th Round Pick In Return.

The Jags are acquiring Tim Patrick in a trade with the Detroit Lions, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday morning, per a source informed of the deal. Jacksonville is sending a 2026 sixth-round pick back to Detroit as part of the deal.

Lions Sign Special Teams Ace, Safety Daniel Thomas.

Thomas has logged a total of 1,184 special teams snaps in five seasons

Lions Sign Two (2) Defensive Linemen to 53.

DE Tyrus Wheat (Multiple Reports) 12:57

DT Tyler Lacy (Multiple Reports) 12:57

52 Spots Filled On The 53 Man Roster | 3:27PM

Waiver Process

After the 4 p.m. ET roster cut deadline, teams have a specific window to place waiver claims for players with less than four years of accrued NFL experience. Teams submit their claims by noon ET the following day, and the league then processes them based on waiver priority.

Waiver eligibility

• Waivers: Players with less than four accrued seasons of NFL experience are placed on waivers when they are cut. An "accrued season" is defined as six or more games on a team's active roster, Injured Reserve (IR), or Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list.

• Free agency: "Vested veterans" with four or more accrued seasons are not subject to waivers. They are simply released and become immediate free agents who can sign with any team.

The claim process

1. Cut deadline: All 32 teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, prior to the start of the regular season.

2. Claim window: The waiver period begins after the deadline. Teams have until noon ET on Wednesday to submit waiver claims for any eligible player who was cut.

3. Claim processing: The NFL processes all claims simultaneously at noon ET on Wednesday. If multiple teams claim the same player, the team with the highest waiver priority is awarded the player.

4. Roster spots: A team that successfully claims a player must have an open spot on their 53-man roster. If they don't, they must make a corresponding move to create one, such as releasing another player.

Waiver priority

Preseason through Week 3: Waiver priority is determined by the previous season's reverse standings, which is the same order as the NFL Draft. The team with the worst record has the highest priority.

After Week 3: Waiver priority becomes fluid and is based on the current season's standings.

After the waiver period

Unclaimed players: If a player on waivers is not claimed by any team by the Wednesday deadline, they clear waivers and become a free agent.

Practice squad eligibility: At this point, the player is free to sign with any team, including the practice squad of the team that originally cut them.

Veteran re-signing: Sometimes, a team will release a vested veteran with the intent of re-signing them to the practice squad after the waiver wire process concludes, which prevents them from having to expose a younger player to waivers.

Rock's Locks 2025 Practice Squad Predictions

Veterans

• DL Myles Adams 🔐

• OL Trystan Colon 🔐

• WR Tom Kennedy 🔐

• OL Netane Muti

• LB Anthony Pittman 🔒

Under 2 Years Accrued

• EDGE Mitchell Agude🔐

• DL Keith Cooper Jr. 🔐

• S Erick Hallett II🔐

• EDGE Nate Lynn

• DL Brodric Martin (Claimed By KC)

• WR Jackson Meeks 🔐

• OL Michael Niese🔐

• RB Jacob Saylors 🔐

• S Loren Strickland🔐

• EDGE Isaac Ukwu🔐

• CB Nick Whiteside

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Total Players On Roster: 50/53

Roster Moves Left To Make: 0/37

Rock’s Locks & Cuts Scoreboard: 42-8

Latest Roster Moves | 8.26.2025 (22)

LB Daron Gilbert (Waived) | 10:48AM

DB Morris Norris Waived (Waived) | 1:45PM

Final Cuts/Waivers | 8.26.2025

OL Tryston Colon (Released)

OL Netane Muti (Released)

WR Malik Taylor (Released)

CB Luq Barcoo (Waived)

WR Ronnie Bell (Waived)

DL Keith Cooper Jr. (Waived)

CB Allan George (Waived)

CB D.J. Miller (Waived)

TE Steven Stilianos (Waived)

S Loren Strickland (Waived)

EDGE Isaac Ukwu (Waived)

OL Gunner Britton (Waived)

Ol Michael Niese (Waived)

CB Tyson Russell (Waived)

Reserve/PUP/NFI | Injured Reserve (5)

OL Miles Frazier / PUP

DL Alim McNeill / PUP

LB Malcolm Rodriguez / PUP

EDGE Josh Paschal / NFI

LB Ezekiel Turner / IR

Waived Injury Settlement

DE Ahmed Hassanein (Free Agent Post Injury Settlement)

Latest Roster Moves | 8.25.2025 (18)

LB Anthony Pittman (released) | 2:20PM

QB Hendon Hooker (Waived) | 3:55PM

DB Ian Kenelley (Waived) | 4PM

WR Tom Kennedy (Released) | 4:02PM

DE Mitchell Agude (Waived) | 4:11PM

OL Mason Miller (Waived) | 4:35PM

OL Dan Skipper (Released) | 5:01PM

WR Jackson Meeks (Waived) | 5:25PM

CB Nick Whiteside (Waived) | 5:29PM

DB Erick Hallett (Waived) | 5:55PM

TE Gunner Oakes (Waived) | 5:59PM

DT Brodric Martin (Waived) | 6:01PM

WR Jakobie Keeney-James (Waived) | 6:11PM

RB Jacob Saylors (Waived) | 6:19pm

DE Nate Lynn (Waived) | 6:30PM

DT Myles Adams (Waived) | 6:33PM

RB Deon Jackson (Waived) | 6:34PM

OL Zach Johnson (Waived) | 7:49PM

Quarterback (2)

▶ In: 🔒 Jared Goff, Kyle Allen

▶ Out: Hendon Hooker

Running Back (3)

▶ In: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (2) Craig Reynolds (Vet), Jakob Saylors (Rookie)

▶ Out: Craig Reynolds

▶ Season-Ending IR Prior To Cuts: Kye Robichaux

Actual 53 Man: (4) Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Sione Vaki, Craig Reynolds

Wide Receiver (6)

▶ In: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond Tim Patrick, Jackson Meeks

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (3) Tom Kennedy (vet), Dominic Lovett (Rookie), Jakobie Keeney-James (Rookie)

▶ Out: Dominic Lovett, Ronnie Bell, Jakobie Keeney-James, Malik Taylor Tom Kennedy

Actual 53-Man: (6) Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, Tim Patrick, Dominic Lovett

Tight End (3)

▶ In: 🔒Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: Zach Horton

▶ Out: Zach Horton, Gunnar Oakes, Steven Stilianos

Offensive Line (10)

▶ In: Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Kayode Awosika, Dan Skipper, Giovanni Manu, Michael Niese, Jamarco Jones

▶Active/PUP / IR-Return Predictions Before Cuts: Trystan Colon, Miles Frazier

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (3) Kingsley Eguakun, Mason Miller, Netane Muti

▶ Out: Zack Johnson, Mason Miller, Netane Muti, Gunner Britton, Kingsley Eguakun

▶ Season-Ending IR Prior To Cuts: Justin Herron, Colby Sorsdal

Actual 53-Man: (9) Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell, Graham Glasgow, Tate Ratledge, Christian Mahogany, Kayode Awosika, Giovanni Manu, Jamarco Jones, Kingsley Eguakun

Defensive Tackle (5)

▶ In: DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, Pat O’Connor

▶Active/PUP / IR-Return Predictions Before Cuts: Alim McNeill

▶ Out: Brodric Martin, Chris Smith, Myles Adams

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (3) Brodric Martin, Chris Smith, Myles Adams (vet)

▶ Season-Ending IR Prior To Cuts: Levi Onwuzurike

Actual 53-Man: (6) DJ Reader, Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, Mekhi Wingo, Pat O’Connor, Chris Smith

Edge (5)

▶ In: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Nate Lynn, Keith Cooper

▶Active/PUP / IR-Return Predictions Before Cuts: Ahmed Hassanein

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (2) Mitchell Agude, Isaac Ukwu

▶ Out: Mitchell Agude, Isaac Ukwu

▶ Remain On Active/NFI Before Cuts: Josh Paschal

Actual 53-Man: (3) Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad

Linebacker (6)

▶ In: 🔒Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Grant Stuard, Zach Cunningham, Trevor Nowaske

▶Active/PUP / IR-Return Predictions Before Cuts: Malcolm Rodriguez, Ezekiel Turner

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (1) Anthony Pittman (vet)

▶ Out: DaRon Gilbert

Cornerback (6)

▶ In: Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin (DB), Khalil Dorsey, Erick Hallet

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (1) Nick Whiteside

▶ Out: Luq Barcoo, Allan George, D.J. Miller, Tyson Russell, Nick Whiteside

▶ Season-Ending IR Prior To Cuts: Dicaprio Bootle, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.

Actual 53-Man: (5) Terrion Arnold, D.J. Reed, Amik Robertson, Rock Ya-Sin (DB), Khalil Dorsey

Safety (4)

▶ In: Brian Branch (DB) , Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox (DB), Ian Kenelley

▶Active/PUP / IR-Return Predictions Before Cuts: Morris Norris

▶ Practice Squad Prediction: (1) Loren Strickland

▶ Out: Loren Strickland, Morris Norris

▶ Season-Ending IR Prior To Cuts: Dan Jackson

Actual 53-Man: (3) Brian Branch (DB) , Kerby Joseph, Avonte Maddox

Specialists (3)

▶ In: 🔒Punter Jack Fox, kicker Jake Bates, long snapper Hogan Hatten

▶ Out: None.

ROCK’S FINAL 53 - 8.24.2025

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The Detroit Lions are leaving no stone unturned as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season. In a move aimed at adding depth and competition to their cornerback room, the Lions have signed former Washington Commanders cornerback and UFL standout Nick Whiteside.

The 25-year-old Whiteside, a product of Saginaw Valley State University, was present at practice on Monday, sporting the No. 38 jersey, signaling the official start of his tenure in the Motor City. This signing comes after the release of Stantley Thomas-Oliver

From Avondale to the NFL: Whiteside's Journey

Whiteside's path to the NFL is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability. A graduate of Avondale High School, he initially entered college as a wide receiver prospect. However, he transitioned to cornerback at Saginaw Valley State in 2018, a move that would ultimately shape his football career.

Over four seasons with the Cardinals, Whiteside established himself as a defensive force, amassing an impressive stat line of 131 tackles, 26 pass breakups, and 12 interceptions across 43 games. His stellar performance earned him Division II All-American honors in both 2021 and 2022, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive backs in Division II football. He was also named the GLIAC Defensive Back of the Year in 2021, further highlighting his dominance.

Overcoming Adversity: Injuries and Resilience

Whiteside's college career wasn't without its challenges. He suffered a torn Achilles tendon at the end of the 2021 season. However, Whiteside displayed remarkable resilience, working tirelessly to recover and return to the field. He managed to play 10 games during the 2022 season, recording 30 tackles and two interceptions, proving his determination to overcome adversity. Unfortunately, his season was cut short once again when he broke his foot in the final game of the year. Despite these setbacks, Whiteside's talent and potential were evident, attracting the attention of NFL scouts.

NFL Beginnings: Washington Commanders

Following his collegiate career, Whiteside entered the 2023 NFL Draft but went undrafted. Undeterred, he signed with the Washington Commanders in May 2023, marking his first opportunity to compete at the NFL level. While he spent the majority of the season on the Commanders' practice squad, he was elevated to the active roster for the final two weeks of the season.

During this brief stint, Whiteside logged 28 snaps across defense and special teams, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his potential to contribute at the NFL level. Washington released him in late August 2024, opening the door for his next opportunity.

Rewind - Whiteside Heads To The UFL: St. Louis Battlehawks

After his release from the Commanders, Whiteside continued to pursue football. In December 2024, he signed with the St. Louis Battlehawks. The move proved to be a significant step in his career. In the 2025 UFL season, Whiteside appeared in 11 games for the Battlehawks, playing a key role in their league-leading 8-2 campaign.

He recorded 20 tackles, four pass breakups, and one fumble recovery, demonstrating his versatility and ability to make an impact on the field. His performance in the UFL solidified his status as a player with the potential to contribute at the NFL level, ultimately leading to his signing with the Detroit Lions.

What Whiteside Brings to the Lions

The Detroit Lions are adding a player with a proven track record of success at multiple levels. Whiteside's two-time Division II All-American honors and his solid performance in the UFL demonstrate his ability to compete and excel. His 12 interceptions in 43 college games highlight his ball-hawking skills and his knack for making game-changing plays.

While he is still relatively inexperienced at the NFL level, his time with the Commanders provided him with valuable exposure to the league. Whiteside's addition to the Lions' roster provides valuable depth at the cornerback position. He will have the opportunity to compete for a role on the team and contribute on both defense and special teams.

Rock’s Final Take

Whiteside’s journey from a small town in Michigan to the NFL is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication. A player with a compelling backstory of overcoming injuries and excelling at multiple levels, the Dan Campbell & Brad Holmes way. Whiteside brings a combination of talent, resilience, and determination to the Lions' roster.

While he faces a competitive environment in the cornerback room, his UFL success and collegiate accolades suggest he has the potential to make an impact. This signing reflects the Lions' commitment to exploring all avenues for improvement and fostering a competitive environment within the team.

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