The process of trimming down their roster has already begun for the Detroit Lions. We’ll discuss that and more in today’s edition of headlines.
The Detroit Lions have the difficult task of trimming down their roster from 9o players to just 53 by this Saturday. And between now and then, the Lions have a final preseason contest to play in Ohio against the Cleveland Browns.
But the Lions have decided to get a jump start on some of those roster cuts, opting to part ways with struggling backup quarterback David Fales on Tuesday. Now, Detroit has announced another release. This one coming as a surprise to many. Let’s dive into today’s edition of Lions’ headlines.
Lions cut Zach Zenner – Pro Football Talk
The Lions chose to release running back Zach Zenner two days before their preseason finale. For Zenner, this was the second time Detroit has released him in as many years. This was likely just a numbers game as running backs Kerryon Johnson, C.J. Anderson, and rookie Ty Johnson are all locks to make the final roster. Throw in fullback Nick Bawden and the improved play of power back Mark Thompson, and the veteran Zenner simply didn’t fit anymore.
Lions players feeling the bubble heading into cut week – MLive.com
Fringe players like Zach Zenner and David Fales were only the tip of the iceberg. There will be an avalanche of cuts made soon and plenty of players who are on the bubble. Some names to watch include wide receivers Brandon Powell, Andy Jones, and rookie Travis Fulgham. Two possible bubble players mentioned by Kyle Meinke in the above MLive.com article are cornerback Teez Tabor and linebacker Steve Longa, both just returned to practice this week.
Detroit Lions: Full details of Damon Harrison’s 1-year contract extension – Detroit Free Press
I think we can all agree that the trade for Damon ‘Snacks’ Harrison last season was a tremendous success. The 30-year old defensive tackle held out of OTAs and minicamp, seeking a new deal. But that ended when training camp started and the Lions’ honored him by granting him a one-year contract extension last week that essentially gives him $8.5 million per season plus incentives. It also gives the Lions the option to keep Snacks around through 2021.
No preseason, no problem: Lions’ Trey Flowers ready to grow with new team, city – The Detroit News
I think the fact defensive end Trey Flowers, the Lions biggest free-agent addition, didn’t participate in the preseason should give fans pause. Although keeping starters sidelines through these exhibitions is smart to avoid possible injury, Flowers is a new arrival that needs time to build chemistry with his teammates. He may already know Matt Patricia’s scheme from their days together in New England, but I expect to see some signs of rust and a slight learning curve for Flowers to start the regular season. And that could have been mitigated through some preseason snaps.