With Roster Cuts Looming, 'Everything Is Available' for Lions
The Detroit Lions are less than 48 hours away from what will be a finished roster heading into the regular season.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell currently has 80 players on his roster. By Tuesday at 4 p.m., that number will have to be down to 53. This means at least 27 players will be cut within the next day.
The leader of the Lions has risen to fame for his ability to connect with players. His emotion seen in press conferences and on the hit television show "Hard Knocks" is authentic, which will make for tough conversations leading up to cuts.
The Lions have had to make just one cut since trimming the roster down to 85 players, with the release of linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton. To get to 80, Holmes and Campbell moved four players to injured lists.
Detroit may elect to make more cuts than required, to put it in a position to take advantage of its spot on the waiver wire. All players released during cuts are placed on the wire, where the Lions are currently second. This means that if Jacksonville doesn’t take a desired player, Detroit has its pick.
Campbell admitted that he and Holmes plan to scour the market, when it comes to waivers.
“Honestly, I would say everything is available,” Campbell noted. “We’re looking, anywhere we feel like we can upgrade, since we’re two on the claim list, we’re looking. We were just discussing it up there. We’re looking anywhere. Shoot, we’re looking at half back, we’re looking at tight end, we’re looking at O-line, we’re looking at D-line, anything is available. And, if we feel like it truly will upgrade us and we feel like it’s somebody who will fit our culture and what we’re about, then we’re open to anything.”
Campbell has admitted in recent media sessions that making these decisions is the toughest part of his job. Some of this year’s choices include players who were good enough to make the 2021 team, but may not make the grade on the organization’s revamped roster.
“It’s a lot more difficult than even last year,” Campbell said Monday. “It was tough last year, but this year, because we are so much farther along, and that’s a credit to (general manager Brad Holmes). Our talent level is better, and the competition is better. The better the competition, the better the players rise to that occasion. You have a talented player, and if he’s not getting challenged every day, then he’ll never grow. But, if you have someone who can challenge that player, then they start to grow together and they get that much better.
“That’s kind of where we’re at. I feel like we’re starting to get into that phase of it, whereas last year, we weren’t really there. Credit to Brad, and these are difficult. Because ultimately we’re gonna probably have to let go of some players that were here all last year and we depended on and did everything we asked them to do and produced for us last year. But, that’s a sign of progress, too.”
Jerry Jacobs update
Currently, Jerry Jacobs remains on the active roster, despite still recovering from a torn ACL suffered late in the 2021 season.
The cornerback had a solid rookie year, after cracking the roster as an undrafted free agent, and is nearing a return. However, Campbell said it’s uncertain how soon it will be. If he remains on the roster, that will take a spot from a player who would be ready and available.
On the flip side, placing Jacobs on the Physically Unable to Perform list would keep him out for the first four weeks of the season.
“That’s another one that we’re talking about,” Campbell stated. “That’s a tough one, because if we don’t PUP him, then that’s a spot. And, we don’t see him being ready for Philly. So, that’s another one up for debate.”
Lions know what they have in running back Godwin Igwebuike
Despite serving as the primary kick returner for most of the season in 2021, Godwin Igwebuike saw little action during the preseason, in the return game.
Instead, players such as wide receivers Trinity Benson and Maurice Alexander, along with running backs Justin Jackson and Craig Reynolds, got the bulk of the return opportunities.
Campbell didn’t necessarily view this decision as a demotion, but rather a vote of confidence in Igwebuike, who showcased his skillset last season.
“I think we have a real good feel of what Godwin can do, because we got a full season of it last year,” Campbell said. “And so, we have a real good grasp of that and then it was, let’s give Alexander an opportunity and let’s give Craig an opportunity and let’s give Jackson an opportunity (Sunday). So, that’s kind of what it was, let’s see, can someone else do this and where can they go with it, as well. It just gives us flexibility with the roster.”
