Information Sourced From: Detroit Lions Official Website
The Lions 53 man roster is officially up on detroitlions.com and it is surprising to say the least. Some of the surprises include the Lions keeping only 4 wide receivers, not including amongst them anyone who would be considered a true punt returner, keeping 5 running backs, and keeping Eric O’Neill. Furthermore, they entered no waiver claims, and have slowly been filling out their practice squad. So the next logical question then becomes…
Is This the Lions Final 53 Man Roster?
I’ll admit I took some long shots and liberties in my final 53 man roster prediction. Even some very long shots (keeping Altmyer as backup, and keeping Cunningham as an emergency QB/WR). However, I didn’t expect the roster to look anything like this. Lots of Lions fans are freaking out about the configuration of the roster. However, I bring you back to the same freakout sessions when we didn’t have a backup quarterback or a kicker in previous years and that has always led to…
Brad Has a Plan
No matter if we like it as fans or not, Brad has a plan. I highly doubt that Jabari Small is going to end up on the final roster. I highly doubt that the Lions will roll into the season with their current wide receiver room or their tight end room. The reality is though, he could. Rumors have Thomas Gordon (TE) and Tom Kennedy (WR) making the practice squad. Either of these players could be elevated on game day and called upon to play. Immediately. At the end of the day we simply don’t know, but we do know that Brad has a plan.
Greg Dortch
As of the writing of this article, rumor has it the Buffalo Bills are signing Greg Dortch to their practice squad. This has to be the most surprising move of all to me. By all accounts Dortch did very well in camp. Perhaps they are simply looking to do something different with the offense. Perhaps Dortch took exception with not being on the initial 53 man rosters, we likely will never know.
I Don’t Expect the Lions are Done
I know they didn’t claim anyone off of waivers, but they can still sign any of these (now unrestricted) free agents at any time. The Lions front office is not going to push anything, they are going to finish their process and move forward. Given what Brad and Dan have delivered since they have come to town, I think they deserve a little bit of space to do their thing. We simply need to be patient and see how it all hashes out.
..."Questions Abound..."...as always with the Lions. In good time, they will be answered. Then come the 2027-28 season, a whole new round of questions will need answering. Unless the unthinkable happens in February 2027. Then we can forgive the Lion's pensive ways for anther 60 years.