Breaking Down the Detroit Lions’ Initial 53-Man Roster
August 27, 2024, 04:21 PM
Today marks one of the toughest days for general managers and head coaches across the NFL as teams finalize their rosters. The Detroit Lions have trimmed their roster down to an initial 52 players, with one spot remaining open, signaling potential further moves throughout the week as other players become available across the league.
“This is a tough time of year,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell remarked on Monday. “The appreciation we have for these guys who gave it their all is immense. Some pushed through despite bumps, bruises, and overall wear, which speaks volumes about their commitment. This game remains physical, and the ability to perform despite that is crucial. We had some tough decisions to make, but we truly appreciate these guys.”
Starting Wednesday, the Lions can begin assembling their 16-man practice squad. Here’s a breakdown of the initial 53-man roster:
Quarterback (2)
On the Roster: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker
Missed the Cut: Nate Sudfeld, Jake Fromm
Twentyman: The Lions opted to keep only two quarterbacks on the initial roster, likely to free up a spot elsewhere on the team. Campbell is keen on Hooker’s continued development, with backup and scout team reps during the regular season being essential. It’s possible Sudfeld or Fromm could return on the practice squad.
Running Back (4)
On the Roster: David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki
Missed the Cut: Jermar Jefferson, Zonovan Knight, Jake Funk
Twentyman: The Lions boast one of the NFL’s deepest and most versatile running back rooms. Vaki is expected to be a key special teamer from day one, and could also contribute on offense, particularly in third-down situations. Montgomery and Gibbs were both close to 1,000 rushing yards last season and have their sights set on surpassing that mark this year.
Wide Receiver (4)
On the Roster: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Isaiah Williams
Missed the Cut: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Daurice Fountain, Kaden Davis, Maurice Alexander, Tom Kennedy, Jalon Calhoun
Twentyman: With only four receivers on the roster, it’s likely that this position will see further additions as the Lions scour the waiver wire for talent. Fountain and Peoples-Jones didn’t consistently make enough plays to earn a spot, while Isaiah Williams impressed throughout camp and preseason, securing his place as a playmaker.
Tight End (3)
On the Roster: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, Parker Hesse
Missed the Cut: James Mitchell, Shane Zylstra, Sean McKeon
Twentyman: This group of tight ends is the most talented the Lions have had in recent years. LaPorta and Wright form a strong one-two punch, while Hesse’s versatility—being able to play fullback and block effectively—likely earned him the nod over Mitchell. Some of those cut could be invited back to the practice squad.
Offensive Line (10)
On the Roster: Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Kevin Zeitler, Dan Skipper, Colby Sorsdal, Giovanni Manu, Kayode Awosika, Michael Niese
Missed the Cut: Kingsley Eguakun, Bryan Hudson, Jake Burton, Jamarco Jones, Duke Clemens
Reserve/Non-Football Illness List: Christian Mahogany
Twentyman: The core five linemen were a given, with Skipper, Awosika, and Sorsdal being reliable depth players from last season. Niese had a strong camp, adding further depth to a position the Lions consider crucial for their success in 2024. Manu is still developing, but the Lions are committed to his future after drafting him in the fourth round this year.
Defensive Line (9)
On the Roster: Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, DJ Reader, Alim McNeill, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, Mekhi Wingo, John Cominsky, James Houston
Missed the Cut: Isaac Ukwu, Kyle Peko, Mathieu Betts, Chris Smith, Pat O’Connor
Reserve/Injured: Brodric Martin
Waived/Injured: David Bada
Twentyman: The final edge spot was likely a difficult decision, but the Lions couldn’t overlook Houston’s raw pass-rushing talent. Although not versatile, his pass-rushing ability made him a lock for the roster. Cominsky might be designated for IR as he recovers from a knee injury. Expect some of the cut players to be asked back to the practice squad.
Linebacker (6)
On the Roster: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Ben Niemann
Missed the Cut: Mitchell Agude, Abraham Beauplan, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Ty Summers
Twentyman: This group saw little surprise, maintaining stability throughout the offseason and camp. Campbell and Barnes are poised for breakout seasons, with Barnes now firmly established in the starting SAM role. Niemann adds value as a special teams ace, making this linebacker unit the heart of the Lions’ defense.
Defensive Back (11)
On the Roster: Carlton Davis III, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Kindle Vildor, Khalil Dorsey, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph, Loren Strickland
Reserve/Injured: Emmanuel Moseley
Missed the Cut: C.J. Moore, Steven Gilmore, Essang Bassey, Javelin Guidry, Chelen Garnes, Rachad Wildgoose
Twentyman: The Lions went heavy on defensive backs, likely due to the new faces and scheme adjustments in Aaron Glenn’s defense. The cornerback room has been completely revamped, with Branch transitioning to safety. The unit is more talented and deeper than last year’s, with Strickland, an undrafted rookie safety, making the cut as the Lions kept five safeties.
Special Teams (3)
On the Roster: Jake Bates (K), Jack Fox (P), Hogan Hatten (LS)
Missed the Cut: Scott Daly (LS)
Twentyman: Bates had a shaky start to camp but found his stride, earning the kicking job with solid preseason performances. His strong leg gives Campbell more strategic options. Fox continues to be one of the league’s top punters, while the more versatile Hatten, who can play linebacker and cover on punts, edged out Daly for the long snapper role.
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