4 Detroit Lions practice squad players who could crack the active roster in 2023
By Max DeMara
4. OL Connor Galvin
The Lions have one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, but injuries can be a tough reality for that group. Enter Galvin, who had a fantastic camp for the Lions and found his way back to the practice squad.
While he didn't make the Lions' 53-man roster, Galvin was impressive during the preseason. He was Pro Football Focus' highest-rated Detroit offensive lineman during the three exhibition games.
Source: The #Lions released OL Connor Galvin, with the hopes of bringing him back to the practice squad.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 28, 2023
Highest rated O-Lineman on PFF over the preseason for Detroit. Also, former Big 12 OL of the Year at Baylor. pic.twitter.com/CK7yVDEFcI
Detroit kept Matt Nelson as their primary backup tackle, and while he has the obvious experience advantage the talent gap between he and Galvin may not be that wide. If there are multiple injuries up front, it would not be a shock to see Galvin elevated to the roster and into the lineup.
3. K Michael Badgley
It didn't take long for the Lions to bring Badgley back to the practice squad after the team was revealed to be looking for another kicker following a shaky preseason finale from Riley Patterson.
Badgley of course kicked for the Lions in 2022, going 24-for-28 on field goals and a perfect 33-for-33 on extra points over 12 games. If Patterson struggles early, it's likely that the team will pull the plug on him and insert Badgley back into the lineup based on that previous work.
Badgley didn't last long with the Washington Commanders or the Tennessee Titans after he was cut by the Lions just before camp started. But he's back in a comfortable setting in Detroit, and failing any other options it made sense to bring him back. He could be primed for a quick call-up if need be.