As the Detroit Lions cut their roster to 53 players heading into the 2022 season, here’s who they have parted ways with.
The Detroit Lions, and every NFL team, has to be down to 53 players on their active roster by Tuesday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m. ET.
Head coach Dan Campbell has acknowledged how difficult final cuts will be, especially compared to a year ago. The Lions will be parting with some good players who other teams will have to pay attention to, which is certainly something new.
Nearly one-third of the roster as of the end of the third preseason game will be gone by Tuesday afternoon. Some may clear waivers and make it back for practice squad consideration, but that’s the business of the NFL in late-August.
Here’s who the Lions have parted ways with. Post will be updated as needed.
Detroit Lions roster cut tracker: Who did not make the 53-man roster?
LB Jarrad Davis
OT Kendall Lamm
TE Devin Funchess
WR Tom Kennedy
QB Tim Boyle
WR Kalil Pimpleton
CB Mark Gilbert
CB Saivion Smith
CB AJ Parker
LB Anthony Pittman
DL Bruce Hector
RB Godwin Igwebuike
RB Justin Jackson
CB Cedric Boswell
WR Maurice Alexander
OT Obinna Eze
LB James Houston
K Riley Patterson
OT Darrin Paulo
OT Dan Skipper
Waived/Injured: DL Eric Banks, WR Trinity Benson, OL Kevin Jarvis, S C.J. Moore, DL Jashon Cornell
Cornerback Jerry Jacobs was placed on the PUP list, which removed him from the active roster heading into the season.
The #Lions are releasing former first-round pick LB Jarrad Davis, source said. A bit of a surprise.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 29, 2022
Updated with the Kalil Pimpleton news, which a source quickly confirmed. https://t.co/0noq5vjtKw
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) August 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/mysportsupdate/status/1564361892314873857?s=21&t=k3vSXmBItZDNbP8_XfKbiw
The #Lions are waiving WR Tom Kennedy, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2022
The #Lions are waiving CB Mark Gilbert, per source. He was on their active roster for 8 games last year and had a forced fumble and a pass deflection in limited action, earning a strong 76.3 PFF grade.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 29, 2022
Another roster cut for the Lions: CB Saivion Smith. I thought Smith had a really nice camp, seemed to be pushing for a roster spot until that rough series yesterday. Lions even used him at safety in practice last week.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 29, 2022
Started to get the feeling one of the nickels (Parker or Hughes) might be on the outs with Campbell noting the team felt Will Harris could contribute at that spot. Parker, the starter last year, simply offered less on special teams. https://t.co/c8WLCct8OP
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 30, 2022
Fully agree with Dave here. Pittman had been running with the top coverage units through the end of camp. Defensively, he had moved to spending more time on the line. Had a good first preseason showing, but struggled to find consistency there down the stretch in camp. https://t.co/tc10lzfJ0E
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 30, 2022
Lions are planning to release safety C.J. Moore, per source. Expected to revert to IR if not claimed. Lots of experience over three years in Detroit.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 30, 2022
The #Lions are waiving DL Bruce Hector, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 30, 2022
Who surprised you as a roster cut? Will any of these decisions come back to bite the Lions?