The 2023 NFL preseason is over for the Detroit Lions, as they won two of their three preseason contests. Now it's on to the start of the season, the opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, and before that Tuesday afternoon's deadline to be down to 53 players on the active roster.
After Friday night's preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Dan Campbell cited the tough decisions that are coming.
"We’re going to have to let go of some really good players,” . “And that’s tough. That’s tough to do. But it also means there’s growth and your talent level has gone up. And that’s a good thing for your football team.""
Of course teams don't have to wait and make what would amount to a "cut dump" of 37 players on Tuesday afternoon, with only one cut day for the league this year. The process can and does start right away after the last preseason game, and while the Lions have some tough decisions to make there are also some very easy cut decisions too. For some players, being cut as early as possible could allow them to find an opportunity elsewhere as other teams may their cuts.
Every team has to be down to 53 players by 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday afternoon.
Based on reports or what the Lions announce officially, here's who has been cut. Check back for updates. Jameson Williams' looming placement on the suspended list figures into the equaton, as does any PUP or NFI list placements (Emmanuel Moseley?, Hendon Hooker?).
Detroit Lions roster cut tracker
DL Christian Covington
The #Lions released veteran DT Christian Covington, per source. He had a sack last night.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2023
TE Daniel Helm
#Lions cutting tight end Daniel Helm, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 26, 2023
OL Alex Mollette
Lions waived OL Alex Mollette
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 26, 2023
The Lions released or waived 10 more players Sunday afternoon, while making the above three official.
Released
DL Christian Covington
OL Bobby Hart
OL Germain Ifedi
WR Jason Moore
RB Devine Ozigbo
Waived
WR Trinity Benson
WR Avery Davis
TE Daniel Helm
OL Obinna Eze
OL Alex Mollette
S Scott Nelson
OL Darrin Paulo
CB Colby Richardson
Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit explained the distinction betweeen released and waived.
If you haven't been in the league for at least 4 years, you must be put on waivers--where other teams can claim you.
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) August 27, 2023
Veterans of 4+ years are "released" meaning they are immediately free agents able to sign anywhere they please. https://t.co/1FQ9TB4jrh
WR Dylan Drummond
Lions have started their second round of cuts. Here's a notable one: WR Dylan Drummond, the UDFA from Eastern Michigan who had a really nice, consistent camp. Imagine he comes back on PS if he clears waivers, but looks like Antoine Green is the 5th WR for now
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 28, 2023
OL Connor Galvin
Another roster move for the Lions: UDFA OT Connor Galvin was waived. He was taking second-team reps when Decker was out last week. Expect he’ll be back on PS.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 28, 2023
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
QB Adrian Martinez
Lions are waiving QB Adrian Martinez, which means Jared Goff and Teddy Bridgewater will be the only 2 QBs on the initial 53-man roster. Martinez could be back on practice squad, with Hendon Hooker on NFI and Nate Sudfeld headed to IR.
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 28, 2023
OL Kayode Awosika and OL Ryan Swoboda
The Lions are keeping just 8 OL to start the year, waiving both UDFA OTs Ryan Swoboda and Connor Galvin and OG Kayode Awosika. Guessing all three will be PS-bound if they clear waivers
— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) August 28, 2023
CB Chase Lucas
#Lions are waiving CB Chase Lucas, source says. Detroit’s seventh-round pick a year ago closed the preseason with this diving INT vs. the #Panthers the other night. pic.twitter.com/Au18qNooxE
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 29, 2023
TE Darrell Daniels
#Lions cut Darrell Daniels, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 29, 2023
S Brandon Joseph, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press
K John Parker Romo
The #Lions are waiving kicker John Parker Romo, per source. For now, that leaves Riley Patterson as the only kicker on the roster.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 29, 2023
RB Benny Snell
#Lions release RB Benny Snell, per source.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 29, 2023
CB Starling Thomas
The #Lions waived corner Starling Thomas V, per source. Thomas had a strong camp, likely back on practice squad if not claimed.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 29, 2023
RB Jermar Jefferson (waived/injured),
WR Chase Cota (waived/injury settlement),
QB Nate Sudfeld (IR)
RB Craig Reynolds (released)
Waived
WR Maurice Alexander
DT Corey Durden
LB Trevor Nowaske
C Brad Cecil
S Brady Breeze
OT Max Pircher
DL Chris Smith
Lions roster moves: pic.twitter.com/cfAz64uo1A
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) August 29, 2023