We're still a few hours away from the Detroit Lions' release of their official 53-man roster for the 2026 season, but there are some bubble players that feel safe to predict as practice squad candidates.
There's a surprising amount of depth on the Lions' roster this season, one year removed from an injury-riddled 2025 campaign that exposed just how thin they were at positions like defensive tackle, cornerback, safety, and on their offensive line. This season, that doesn't appear to be the case, health-willing.
After three preseason contests, it'll be hard to swallow some of the cuts bound to come our way this afternoon. But, it doesn't mean that those players' time with the Lions is up - in fact, there are three players that we'd love to see land on the teams' practice squad.
3 Lions that would be perfect practice squad additions for 2026
DE Eric O'Neill
While he was a little rough around the edges at times (no pun intended), the Rutgers UDFA shined in some limited snaps for Detroit on the edge. He had a few pressures throughout the preseason, and was quite explosive off the edge. He was an unsung hero to the rest of the Lions' solid defensive line this preseason, finishing with a PFF grade of 89.6 against the Washington Commanders in Week 2.
O'Neill is unlikely to beat out players like Ahmed Hassanein or Tyler Lacy for the Lions' last edge rusher spot on their roster, but he'd be a great developmental piece to add to their practice squad if he can clear waivers.
WR Lucky Jackson
If Jackson clears waivers after a stellar Week 3 performance against the Indianapolis Colts, which included 94 receiving yards on just five receptions, he'd be an excellent wide receiver to stash on the practice squad. He's got potential on special teams in addition to obviously having some great hands as an outside receiver.
The former UFL player might've played too well in Week 3, though, and that could entice a team in need of some extra depth at WR headed into the regular season.
READ MORE: 3 encouraging signs from the Lions preseason that should have fans excited
QB Luke Altmyer
After a surprisingly close QB2 battle between Altmyer and veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs, Week 3 felt like the cherry on top for Dobbs' campaign. He finished up with 128 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, while Altmyer had pick to begin his first series for Detroit and had zero TDs on the day. He wasn't terrible, but Dobbs just looked to be a lot more comfortable than Altmyer the entire afternoon.
Altmyer would still make for a good quarterback on the Lions' practice squad, if he can clear waivers. The UDFA showed some solid stuff prior to Week 3, and again, was seriously pushing Dobbs for the job before Dobbs went off against the Colts.
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