Detroit Lions practice squad and waiver wire tracker: Updates and analysis
As the Detroit Lions waiver claims come in and the practice squad is determined, here’s our tracker of the moves.
The Detroit Lions’ 53-man roster appears to be pretty well honed, with waiver wire claims and the practice squad to be determined. A couple of their final cuts could make it back to their practice squad, quarterback David Blough and cornerback AJ Parker.
After Tuesday’s final cuts around the NFL, waiver claims were processed on Wednesday. Here’s what the Lions have done, with who will fill out the 16-man practice squad to be updated
Detroit Lions waiver claim and practice squad tracker
Waiver Claims:
DT Benito Jones
Jones was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2020, and he appeared in six games as a rookie. He spent all of last season on Miami’s practice squad, then was part of their final cuts on Tuesday. At over 300 pounds, he fits the bill of “girth” along the defensive line that Lions head coach Dan Campbell outlined early in training camp. At a glance Jones appeared set to replace Levi Onwuzurike (back/hip) on the 53-man roster, with the second-year man likely headed for IR. At least early, not so much, apparently.
According to a team source, Lions still don't have any immediate plans to move any of their injured guys (Levi, Melifonwu, etc...) to IR. Obviously those conversations are fluid, but points to a player being cut to make room for Benito Jones' addition.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 31, 2022
And there is this, regarding the roster maneuvering.
Important note here: https://t.co/ujZxkXbJXe
— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) August 31, 2022
The Lions were awarded defensive tackle Benito Jones off waivers.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 31, 2022
A little more on Jones. He brings that girth the Lions were looking for at 315 pounds. He hasn't played much his first two seasons after going undrafted, but had a productive preseason, logging 110 snaps, while recording seven tackles (two for a loss) and five QB pressures.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 31, 2022
Update: According to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press, running back Jermar Jefferson was waiver to make room for Jones.
The Lions waived RB Jermar Jefferson one day after keeping him on their initial 53-man roster
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 31, 2022
Practice Squad:
Update: The Lions announced 13 practice squad members on Thursday afternoon.
TE Garrett Griffin
Griffin was signed by the Lions as a free agent in March, but he was a cut early when the roster was trimmed from 90 to 80.
The Lions have re-signed TE Garrett Griffin to the practice squad. Griffin was released earlier in camp.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 31, 2022
CB Saivion Smith
For a time, it seemed Smith had some chance to make the Lions’ 53-man roster. But he’s back on the practice squad, as a depth option with some potential.
Lions are bringing CB Saivion Smith back on the practice squad.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 31, 2022
CB AJ Parker
Not a big surprise here, though it is a slight surprise Parker went unclaimed after starting seven games for the Lions last season as an undrafted rookie. The hope to get him back on the practice squad has come to fruition.
A.J. Parker will be rejoining the Lions as a member of the team's practice squad.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 31, 2022
WR Tom Kennedy
A preseason star for the Lions, Kennedy was a somewhat controversial cut among the final cuts. But he’s back on the practice squad, which was absolutely going to happen if no other team claimed him.
The #Lions are re-signing WR and preseason legend Tom Kennedy to their practice squad, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 31, 2022
RB Justin Jackson
Jackson did well after the Lions signed him early in camp, but he didn’t make the 53-man roster. Good fortune brought him back on the practice squad though, after no one else made a move to get him. It would not be surprising to see him on the active roster plenty during the season, and make some kind of impact.
Another practice squad signing for the Lions: RB Justin Jackson, who performed well after joining the roster as a summer add
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 31, 2022
LB James Houston
Houston transitioned from off-ball linebacker to edge rusher at Jackson State last season. He was a bit of project when the Lions drafted him, and that makes him a perfect practice squad player.
One former Lion was claimed off waivers, as the Jacksonville Jaguars got kicker Riley Patterson.
PK Aldrick Rosas
#Lions have signed K Aldrick Rosas to the Practice Squad
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 1, 2022
RB Jermar Jefferson
#Lions have signed RB Jermar Jefferson to the Practice Squad.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 1, 2022
QB Tim Boyle
The #Lions are re-signing QB Tim Boyle to their practice squad, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 5, 2022
Tight end Derrick Deese Jr. was released on Tuesday, Sept. 6. Offensive tackle Darrin Paulo, one of he Lions cuts to get down to 53 players, was brought back to the practice squad.
#Lions have released TE Derrick Deese from Practice Squad.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 6, 2022
#Lions have signed T Darrin Paulo to the Practice Squad.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 7, 2022
Detroit Lions Practice Squad (Updated as needed):
TE Garrett Griffin
CB Saivion Smith
CB AJ Parker
WR Tom Kennedy
RB Justin Jackson
OT Obinna Eze
WR Maurice Alexander
LB Jarrad Davis
OT Dan Skipper
DL Bruce Hector
LB Anthony Pittman
OT Darrin Paulo
LB James Houston
PK Aldrick Rosas
RB Jermar Jefferson
QB Tim Boyle
3 biggest takeaways from Detroit Lions initial 53-man roster. dark. Next