4 potential surprise cuts for the Detroit Lions

1. WR Quintez Cephus

Some people though the second preseason game against the Colts was lined up to be a showcase opportunity for Cephus. But with only a couple practices coming off a leg injury that cost him almost two weeks, including the first preseason game–obviously, he didn’t even play against Indianapolis.

In a certan light, Cephus is a tradeable asset as the Lions hone their wide receiver depth (and yes, they have some). Trinity Benson and to a lesser degree (at this point) Tom Kennedy are easier to envision as special team contributors for those final couple wide receiver spots.

Not that lists like these are a be-all end-all, or a strong indication of what a team will actually do. But it is interesting that both NFL.com and CBS Sports have Cephus on recent lists on players who could be cut or traded at or before final roster cuts. The broad perception is the Lions don’t have obvious room for Cephus, and his upside would be better tapped into elsewhere.

Maybe Sunday’s game against the Steelers will actually be Cephus’ showcase preseason moment, either to be traded in the days after or to make a strong push for a roster spot. With a trade market not necessary easy to tab if other teams question his health and injury history or potentially can’t see him play a lot in a game, the Lions could just decide to part ways.