Detroit Lions shrewdly sign running back Zonovan Knight to practice squad

With rumors tying the New York Jets to Dalvin Cook, Zonovan Knight was easily considered a looming odd-man out. When Cook was indeed signed, it was a matter of time and the Jets waived Knight on Tuesday as part of their roster cuts. It seems possible they could have gotten something for him in a trade, but being claimed on waivers felt like it'd happen.

But Knight passed through waivers unclaimed on Wednesday. Still, he finding a new team quickly wasn't going to be a big issue and the Lions made some sense after keeping just two running backs on their initial 53-man roster.

Indeed, according to his agent Mike McCartney, the Lions signed Knight to their practice squad.

Lions add notable running back depth in Zonovan Knight

Knight signed with the Jets as an undrafted rookie, and after Breece Hall suffered a torn ACL he stepped in. In seven games he had 85 carries for 300 yards and a touchdown along with 13 catches for 100 yards. Over his first three games, he had 230 rushing yards and 10 catches.

The Lions got a close look at Knight in Week 15 last season. Here's what defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said about him before that game.

"Good player. Good player, good runner,” The thing is I’ve been told by other coaches around this league that’s played against that team that he’s a really tough runner, so we understand exactly who he is.”"

- Aaron Glenn

Craig Reynolds is a strong candidate to come back to the Lions, and be the No. 3 running back. But Knight is a legit option to alter that equation. He also returned kickoffs in college at NC State quite capably, as the Lions have a job opening there.

Having and keeping Knight on the practice squad runs the risk another team will poach him. So he may be on the Lions' 53-man roster in short order.