The Detroit Lions have fillde out their practice squad to start the 2023 season, and so far, the group seems to set to offer some nice supplemental depth the 53-man roster.
From offense to defense, the Lions have balanced things out, adding younger players who have impressed during their own training camp as well as others who have stepped up elsewhere.
Even though the players aren't on the active roster, practice squad players can end up being an important piece of the team. They prepare other players week in and out, and often find a way to make the roster when depth trouble/injuries strike.
Dan Campbell talked about the practice squad being an extension of the active roster this past week. Last season, it was a regular thing to see Saturday elevations from the practice squad to the active roster for Sundays.
Talking about the impending construction of the practice squad, Dan Campbell emphasized the importance of that group, noting many will end up playing in games for the Lions this season. Says he doesn't think of it as a 53-man roster, but more a 69-man roster.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) August 28, 2023
The Lions have seen some key players use the practice squad as a gateway to the roster in recent years. Craig Reynolds stepped in as the Lions' lead back for a bit in 2021. James Houston was elevated to the active roster in November last year, and had eight sacks to finish out his rookie season.
This year, there are some players who will have a chance to follow in those footsteps and play a key role for the Lions.
Here are four current practice squad members who could make a difference on the Lions' active roster in 2023.
4 Detroit Lions practice squad players who could easily crack the active roster this season
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.
2. DT Quinton Bohanna
Bohanna was signed to the Lions' practice squad on Thursday, and it's easy to be intrigued by his addition.
A sixth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, Bohanna played in 27 games with 10 starts for Dallas over the last two seasons. He is simply a mountain of a man at 6-foo-4 and 360 pounds, and a natural space eater on the interior defensive line.
The Lions' defensive line is loaded with talent, but size is a critical element to have. Bohanna is an intriguing depth option stashed away on the practice squad, with experience that can be rare to have on that squad.
1. RB Zonovan Knight
It was a surprise steal for the Lions to be able to get their hands on Knight, who showed himself as a strong runner down the stretch last season with the New York Jets. That he passed through waivers unclaimed was surprising.
Craig Reynolds was quickly brought back and he's entrenched in the No. 3 running back slot for the Lions. But it's safe to say that Brad Holmes had an eye on competition and depth when he made the move to bring Knight to Detroit.
Knight, at 210 pounds with speed to burn, would add an intriguing element to the Lions' offense. With 300 rushing yards and a touchdown for the Jets last year, Knight proved himself as a player ready for the next step in the league. It would not be a shock to seem him elevated to the 53-man roster, perhaps quickly, especially if the Lions don't quite get what they want from Reynolds.