2021 Roster Tracker: Lions Waive Tyrell Crosby, Dan Skipper, Cut Victor Bolden
The latest wave of Detroit Lions roster cuts were announced by head coach Dan Campbell at his pre-practice media session Monday.
Since the morning, Detroit has announced a total of nine roster cuts.
Among those recently released are wide receivers Victor Bolden and Damion Ratley, offensive linemen Tyrell Crosby, Dan Skipper and Evan Heim, along with defensive lineman Miles Brown.
Crosby was perhaps the biggest surprise. He was expected to be a valuable member of Detroit’s offensive line. Although there wasn’t a starting spot available for the Oregon product, his ability to play both guard and tackle made him extremely valuable.
Last season, Crosby played most of the year as the team’s starting right tackle. That wasn’t in the cards for 2021, as Detroit drafted Penei Sewell to play the position.
Crosby missed the first two preseason games with a hamstring injury, but played in the finale against Indianapolis. He didn’t have a great game, but was never considered to be on the bubble.
The hybrid lineman was believed to have immense trade value, due to his versatility. However, the Lions organization had other ideas. He was waived Monday.
Crosby’s Lions career finishes after three seasons, during which he played in 38 games. He started in 18 of them, including 11 of the 12 games he suited up for in 2020.
Asked Monday if he would keep five wide receivers, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, “We’ll find out tomorrow.”
Heim, Holder, Brown and Skipper are all young players who were on the outside looking in, with regards to a roster spot. Bolden and Ratley were competing for time at wideout and as return men.
Backup quarterback Tim Boyle needs thumb surgery
Campbell announced Monday that backup quarterback Tim Boyle will need thumb surgery. The third-year pro appeared to suffer the injury when he hit the helmet of an Indianapolis Colts player during the preseason finale.
After suffering the injury, Boyle returned for the next possession, and promptly led a touchdown drive that spanned 14 plays. He hit wide receiver Quintez Cephus for a 15-yard score, and then exited the game.
This injury means that former Purdue Boilermakers signal-caller David Blough will be Detroit’s backup for the time being.
When asked, Campbell explained that he does not currently have the timetable for when Boyle can return to the field.
Blough has plenty of experience, having started five games as a rookie in 2019.
In two seasons with Detroit, Blough has completed 100-of-184 passes for four touchdowns and six interceptions.
Here is the updated Lions roster, after nine roster cuts were announced Monday morning.
Quarterbacks
- Jared Goff
- David Blough
- Tim Boyle
Running backs
- D’Andre Swift
- Jamaal Williams
- Jermar Jefferson
- Dedrick Mills
- Godwin Igwebuike
- Craig Reynolds
- Jason Cabinda
Wide receivers
- Tyrell Williams
- Amon-Ra St. Brown
- Kalif Raymond
Breshad Perriman- Quintez Cephus
- Tom Kennedy
Victor BoldenDamion Ratley- Geronimo Allison
- Javon McKinley
- Sage Surratt
Tight ends
- T.J. Hockenson
- Darren Fells
- Alize Mack
- Brock Wright
Offensive linemen
- Taylor Decker
- Jonah Jackson
- Frank Ragnow
- Halapoulivaati Vaitai
- Penei Sewell
Tyrell Crosby- Matt Nelson
- Logan Stenberg
- Evan Brown
- Tommy Kraemer
Dan Skipper- Darrin Paulo
Evan Heim
Defensive linemen
- Michael Brockers
- Nick Williams
- Alim McNeill
- Da’Shawn Hand
- Jashon Cornell
- Levi Onwuzurike
- John Penisini
- Kevin Strong
- Bruce Hector
Miles Brown- Trey Flowers
- Romeo Okwara
- Julian Okwara
- Charles Harris
- Austin Bryant
- Rashod Berry
Linebackers
- Jamie Collins
- Alex Anzalone
- Derrick Barnes
- Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- Jahlani Tavai
- Anthony Pittman
- Tavante Beckett
Defensive backs
- Jeff Okudah
- Amani Oruwariye
Mike Ford- Ifeatu Melifonwu
- Jerry Jacobs
- Bobby Price
- AJ Parker
- Nickell Robey-Coleman
- Corn Elder
- Tracy Walker
- Will Harris
- Dean Marlowe
- C.J. Moore
- Jalen Elliott
Alijah Holder
Specialists
- Jack Fox
- Randy Bullock
- Zane Gonzalez
- Scott Daly
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