Detroit Lions practice squad and waiver wire tracker: Updates and analysis

The Detroit Lions' initial 53-man roster announced on Tuesday was just that, initial and sure to change before the season opener. As players passed through waivers at Wednesday's deadline, the practice squad will start to be formed and any losses via waivers would be revealed.

A 16-man practice squad can have up to six veterans, as in those with at least four NFL seasons, and a maximum of 10 players with no more than two accrued seasons.

Moves will likely come quickly until the full initial practice squad is filled out. We'll track those moves here.

Let's start with anyone the Lions lost or added off waivers.

Detroit Lions waiver wire additions

None

Former Detroit Lions claimed on waivers

CB Starling Thomas (Arizona Cardinals)

Thomas, an undrafted rookie out of UAB, felt like a lock for the Lions' 53-man roster for much of the offseason, training camp and preseason games. But the activation of Emmanuel Moseley (knee) from the PUP list caused a tough decision, and Thomas was waived.

At the rate they're going in..."rebuilding mode", Thomas could wind up being a starting cornerback for the Cardinals.

Former Detroit Lions signed to other practice squads

PK Parker Romo-Chicago Bears
OL Ryan Swoboda-New York Jets

Detroit Lions practice squad signings

OL Connor Galvin (reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press)

Galvin was a bit of a dark horse to make the Lions' 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie for some people. He was the highest-rated offensive lineman on the team this preseason by Pro Football Focus. He started a Baylor program record 50 games, and he was Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2021.

K Michael Badgley (reported by Birkett)

Since being cut by the Lions near the start of training camp, Badgley has been let go by the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans. It always seemed faintly possible he'd be back with the Lions eventually, and he appears to be the addition to potentially supplant Riley Patterson.

The sentiment is easy, as the Lions continue to struggle to find a kicker but also aren't aggressive enough to do anything about it.

CB Chase Lucas (reported by Mike Garafolo of NFL Media)

Lucas made a late push for a roster spot, but perhaps with the news on Mosely getting better he was waived. Being claimed by another team seemed possible, and after clearing waivers he apparently chose coming back to the Lions on the practice squad over other offers (presumably offers to be on an active roster to start the season).

WR Dylan Drummond (reported by Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports)

Drummond going through waivers unclaimed is a bit surprising, but the Lions indeed got him back on their practice squad. The training camp standout feels sure to see time on the active roster before the season is out.

RB Zonovan Knight (reported by Garafolo, via Knight's agent)

The Jets probably could have gotten something for Knight in a trade, and it was surprising no one claimed him on waivers. But he's a nice fit for the Lions, and quality depth at running back. They may have to put him on the active roster ASAP to stop him from being poached by another team though.

Per the team's announcement:

WR Maurice Alexander
OG Kayode Awosika
S Brandon Joseph
LB Trevor Nowaske
DL Chris Smith
OT Max Pircher (International Practice Squad, does not count against 16-man limit)

QB David Blough (according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, and the team announcement)

Blough was with the Lions from 2019-2021, before being let go late last preseason. He made five starts in place of an injured Matthew Stafford in 2019. He spent a big chunk of last season on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad, before the Arizona Cardinals signed him and he made two starts for them.

WR Daurice Fountain (reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, made official by the team)

Fountain was a fifth-round pick for the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, appearing in just six game over his three years there. He spent the 2021 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, mostly on the practice squad. Last year, he was a late addition to the Chicago Bears practice squad, but he did not appear in a game. He did lead Bears receivers this preseason with seven catches, 115 yards and a nice touchdown.

DE Raymond Johnson (reported by Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network)

Johnson landed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2021, appearing in 15 games and seeing 166 defensive snaps for them that season. He spent last season on the Cincinnati Bengals' practice squad. This preseason, he led the Bengals in quarterback hits and pressures and was tied for second on the team in sacks and total tackles.

OG Michael Niese

Niese spent the 2022 season on the Chicago Bears practice squad. He spent this preseason with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before being released this week.

DL Quintin Bohanna

Bohanna spent the past two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, playing in a total of 27 games (10 starts). He was a somewhat surprising cut, but the Lions add a little interior defensive line depth to their practice squad.

TE Darrell Daniels (per the team announcement)

Daniels was signed by the Lions after Shane Zylstra was injured. He seemed to have some chance to make the 53-man roster, but now he'll function as practice squad depth and the No. 4 tight end there.