5 Detroit Lions who could be let go in upcoming crunch for roster spots

3. LB Trevor Nowaske

In early November, the undrafted rookie out of Saginaw Valley State was added to the active roster as another team tried to poach him from the Lions' practice squad. But he has only played one game, Week 13 against the New Orleans Saints, exclusively on special teams (16 snaps).

It may come down to Nowaske or fellow linebacker Anthony Pittman, who has been a core special teamer for the Lions again this year, as a roster move to make room for someone who is ready to return. If letting Nowaske go several weeks ago was considered a no-go, it's probably not much different now. But contending teams with only so many roster spots to dole out have to make tough decisions sometimes, and letting this guy go is lined up to be one.

2. One of the Okwaras

So I'm looping Romeo and Julian Okwara into one. Julian had two sacks in his first four games this season, but he has been a healthy scratch in three of the last four games. Romeo has played every game since Week 1, coming of an Achilles' tear in 2021 and a subsequent second surgery that extended his recovery deep into last season. But he has played more than 20 snaps just once since Week 3 (none since Week 5), with one sack all season.

There is a world where both Okwara brothers are let go as the Lions consider moves to clear roster spots in the coming weeks. If I had to pick one I'd probably lean toward the younger (Julian), but Romeo Okwara should not feel all that safe.