While it may not be the most exciting conversation to talk about, the Detroit Lions will have plenty of difficult decisions to make when it comes to seeing who is sticking around the building on the practice squad.
Teams can begin to form their 16-man practice squads on Wednesday, August 27 after the claiming period for players placed on waivers during final cuts expires.
Practice squad players are compensated approximately between $13,000 to $22,000 depending on experience and service time. Here are some predictions for who will land on the Lions' practice squad by the start of Detroit's 2025 regular season campaign.
Quarterback - TBD
While Hendon Hooker could land here, there's not 100 percent confident he'll be available if the Lions release him. The Lions could make a run at signing the loser of the Bills' QB3 battle between Mike White and Shane Buchele if Hooker signs with an NFL team.
Jacob Saylors
Saylors may be the odd man out of the running back room, but he's shown enough to make a case he belongs in the NFL. Saylors possesses the ability to impact the game through the air and on the ground, making him a versatile back that can step in if called upon. Look for Saylors to make an impact in 2026 if David Montgomery leaves in free agency.
Tom Kennedy
Death, taxes and Tom Kennedy on the Lions practice squad. Kennedy for years has carved out a nice niche for himself consistently employed in Detroit. Kennedy has spent the last six seasons with the Lions and his familiarity with the system should keep him around for one more year.
Dominic Lovett
One could argue that the Lions back-end roster selections fall into two categories: UFL players and players from St. Louis. Luckily for Lovett, he's a St. Louis guy. Lovett seems primed to be bested by fellow rookie Jackson Meeks, who has provided a bit more value on special teams.
Mason Miller
Miller was the first UDFA signing by the Lions, and also has the benefit of his former offensive coordinator being on the Lions staff. Miller is an extremely raw prospect that boasts above average size and would be worth developing to eventually fill a role like Dan Skipper has.
Michael Niese
Niese looks to find his way on the active roster once the wear and tear of the season begins. Another St. Louis native, Niese brings experience and versatility that could make him a valuable asset to Detroit as the season goes along. Look for Gunnar Britton or Zack Johnson to be brought back if Niese is elevated.
Steven Stilianos
The Lions did roster three tight ends last year in addition to having James Mitchell on the practice squad. Look for them to do the same in 2025, opting for Stilianos who has the most experience out of Gunnar Oakes and Zach Horton.
D.J. Miller
With injuries taking a toll on the Lions secondary, Nick Whiteside likely makes the 53-man roster with Miller taking his practice squad spot. Based on past experience, it looks like the Lions could have plenty of churn in the defensive backfield this year.
Isaac Ukwu
Ukwu had another good game against the Dolphins, however, he is a victim of roster size. The Ole Miss product spent 2024 on the practice squad and is definitely a candidate to build on his strong preseason to continue his development.
Loren Strickland
Strickland has had an extended look this preseason, however, with Rock Ya-Sin taking reps at safety and the emergence of Ian Kennelly, Strickland may have to take a non-linear route to the take the field in 2025.
Chris Smith
Smith is another Lion that provides depth and a little bit of experience with being thrust into action last season. Unfortunately for Smith, the Lions are a bit healthier at the interior, which likely results in Smith going to the practice squad.
Anthony Pittman
Pittman joined the Lions late in 2024 after injuries to their linebacker room. Like Smith, with the room getting healthy, Pittman will be stashed away to provide depth in case of emergency.
Erick Hallett II
Hallett has earned plenty of praise and has had some impressive reps with injuries at cornerback for the Lions. With Hallett's ability to play safety, nickel and corner, he may be able to sneak onto the active roster, but also could land on another team's 53-man roster if unprotected.
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Luq Barcoo
Barcoo gives the Lions experience and depth. The former All-XFL CB has appeared in NFL games the past two seasons. The Lions keep a quality depth piece here.
DaRon Gilbert
The Lions do a decent job of keeping their UDFAs on their practice squad and eventually working them into the fold. If they have space, they'll do that with Gilbert. The 2024 UDFA returned to Detroit after an injury settlement and impressed enough to be offered another shot with the club in 2025.
Brodric Martin
Martin, like many on this list, is a young developmental piece that dealt with injuries in 2024. A 3rd round pick, Martin may have to try and stick on the practice squad if he wants to continue pushing his way into becoming a rotational piece in Detroit.