ALLEN PARK, MI - The Detroit Lions set their initial 53 with a few strategic vacancies, then filled needs through waiver claims and practice-squad depth, keeping the trenches a priority and leaving room to maneuver.
The biggest decisions
The Lions emphasized offensive line depth and front-seven rotational bodies, and they kept a versatile skill group after late-camp movement at receiver. Three roster spots moved quickly as claims and practice-squad elevations took shape.
Initial 53 (by position)
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QB: Jared Goff, Hendon Hooker
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RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Jacob Saylors
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WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Antoine Green
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TE: Sam LaPorta, Shane Zylstra
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OL: Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, Frank Ragnow, Graham Glasgow, Christian Mahogany, Colby Sorsdal, Dan Skipper/Mason Miller (swing depth pending elevations)
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DL/EDGE: Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Marcus Davenport, John Cominsky, Levi Onwuzurike
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LB: Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Anthony Pittman
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DB: Brian Branch, Carlton Davis III, Kerby Joseph, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
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Specialists: K Jake Bates, P Jack Fox, LS Jake McQuaide
Who was cut (and other moves)
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Released/waived at deadline: Myles Adams (DL), Trystan Colon (OL), Tom Kennedy (WR), Netane Muti (OL), Anthony Pittman (LB), Dan Skipper (OL), Malik Taylor (WR); EDGE Ahmed Hassanein (injury settlement).
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Reserve/injury: LB Ezekiel Turner (IR).
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Post-deadline: Detroit quickly worked the wire to add DL help; practice-squad flexibility expected weekly.
Practice squad (official)
Myles Adams (DL), Ronnie Bell (WR), Trystan Colon (OL), Keith Cooper Jr. (DL), Erick Hallett (DB), Zach Horton (TE), Tom Kennedy (WR), Jackson Meeks (WR), Mason Miller (OL), Michael Niese (OL), Anthony Pittman (LB), Jacob Saylors (RB), Loren Strickland (S), Dan Skipper (OL), Isaac Ukwu (EDGE). (15 of 16 initially announced)
What it means
Brad Holmes/Dan Campbell kept Detroit's identity intact: bully ball up front, explosive playmakers outside. The roster leaves space for targeted upgrades while the practice squad mirrors the varsity-plug-and-play linemen, core special teamers, and WR depth for game-specific plans. Expect frequent elevations early as matchups dictate.
