The Detroit Lions revealed their initial 53-man roster (well, it actually had 52 players on it) ahead of the 2024 campaign, but that group will no doubt undergo changes in the week-plus before the regular season starts.
With cutdown day behind us, the Lions will scour the free-agent market and waiver wire for players who can help them, and they'll begin putting together the 16-man practice squad in earnest once waivers clear on Wednesday.
Players with four or more accrued seasons can begin signing with teams right away, while players with less accrued seasons are subject to waivers first. NFL teams have until noon ET on Wednesday to submit claims.
Here's a gander at some of the Lions' 53-man roster cuts that the team should bring back on the practice squad.
Detroit Lions practice squad hopefuls
QB Nate Sudfeld
Sudfeld ended up losing the backup competition to Hendon Hooker, but the second-year signal-caller remains a wild card thanks to his lack of experience. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have a veteran insurance policy just in case.
RB Jermar Jefferson
Jefferson probably would've made the 53-man roster if not for Sione Vaki. There's at least a decent chance he gets claimed on waivers, but if not, the Lions should bring him back.
WR Maurice Alexander
Alexander had a disastrous start to the preseason but managed to finish strong over the final two contests. With only four wide receivers on the initial 53-man roster, Detroit should keep a few on the practice squad.
WR Daurice Fountain
The Lions are extremely thin on boundary receivers. The former Indianapolis Colts fifth-round pick has the prototypical size for an X receiver and would be a solid addition to the practice squad.
TE Shane Zylstra
The Lions only have three tight ends on their 53-man roster, and one of them, Parker Hesse, offers nothing as a pass-catcher. Zylstra is a strong option to keep around as an emergency fourth tight end.
C Bryan Hudson
Detroit could use another option for the center position just in case Frank Ragnow goes down with an injury. The UDFA had a solid showing during the preseason, with PFF grades of 55.0 in pass-blocking and 71.7 in run-blocking, and he surrendered two pressures but zero sacks.
G/T Jamarco Jones
Jones joined the team very late in the offseason, so his being cut wasn't a surprise. Still, he's a useful piece to keep around thanks to his experience and ability to play both guard and tackle.
DT Kyle Peko
Peko was among the bigger surprise cuts after he was getting run with the first-team defense over Brodric Martin at points in camp when Detroit needed a body. Perhaps the Lions plan on bringing him back once they put John Cominsky on injured reserve, but if not, he should be a practice squad candidate.
DE Isaac Ukwu
Ukwu was one of the bigger surprises among the team's cuts after he tallied one sack in each preseason game, and five total pressures. If he makes it through waivers, the Lions should absolutely bring the UDFA back.
LB Ty Summers
Like Jones, Summers was a late offseason addition, but he balled out big time in the preseason finale. He's a fantastic veteran option for the practice squad who can be an asset on special teams.
LB Mitchell Agude
Agude had a productive preseason that saw him flash with four pressures and eight stops. Detroit should give him a longer look on the practice squad.
LB Mathieu Betts
Betts was active during the preseason, with two pressures, one sack and two stops. After getting some praise from head coach Dan Campbell, it wouldn't be surprising to see him stick around in Detroit.
CB Essang Bassey
Bassey wasn't anything to write home about, but he did post a solid 67.5 PFF grade in coverage and surrendered a passer rating allowed of 74.3. The Lions could do worse in a practice squad cornerback.
S C.J. Moore
We thought the Lions would keep Moore if they opted to go with five safeties, but Loren Strickland got the nod instead. The veteran is a strong option to have on the practice squad and offers special teams depth.
