The Detroit Lions have made a significant move by waiving running back Jabari Small and backup center Seth McLaughlin, resulting in two vacant spots on their 53-man roster. This decision comes as the team prepares for the upcoming season, and it raises questions about the future of both players.
The reasoning behind the Lions' decision to waive Small and McLaughlin could be multifaceted. One possibility is that the team is looking to fill those spots with new additions. However, a more plausible explanation is that both players were dealing with injuries. By waiving them now rather than placing them on injured reserve initially, the Lions may be hoping to bring them back to the practice squad once they are healthy.
With these two roster spots now open, the Lions may look to promote players from their practice squad. One candidate is Tom Kennedy, who has emerged as the likely punt returner following the unexpected release of Greg Dortch. Lions general manager Brad Holmes indicated that the wide receiver corps might need to expand beyond its current four-player limit, suggesting that Kennedy could be a strong contender for a promotion.
“Four (receivers) is obviously a little bit on the lighter side. That’s just where we’re at right now today, currently,” Holmes stated, hinting at potential changes in the receiving group.
The second roster spot presents a more challenging decision for the Lions. They have several promising defensive players on the practice squad, including cornerback Nick Whiteside and defensive linemen Chris Smith and Ben Stille. Additionally, linebacker Joe Bachie could be a candidate for promotion, particularly if rookie Jimmy Rolder is not ready to participate in Week 1.
If the Lions do elevate two players from their practice squad to the active roster, it could pave the way for Small and McLaughlin to return to the practice squad, contingent upon them clearing waivers first. This strategic maneuvering reflects the team's depth management as they gear up for the season.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that since the roster cuts, the Lions have only added one external player, offensive lineman Elijah Klein, who previously played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This suggests that the Lions are primarily focused on optimizing their current roster rather than seeking outside help at this time.
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