The Detroit Lions have two open spots on their active roster as they head into Friday, and the timing could line up for a few practice squad players to get called up quickly.
Detroit made room after waiving two players, and with the regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints coming next weekend, those vacancies could be filled by players already familiar with the system. The Lions put together their practice squad soon after final roster cuts, and 15 of the 16 players had already spent time with the team during training camp.
With injuries already part of the picture, the door is open for some of those familiar faces to move up early in the year. Three names stand out as the most likely candidates to take on meaningful roles.
The clearest path belongs to Kennedy, the franchise’s longest-tenured player. He has earned the staff’s trust, and he brings more than receiver depth.
Detroit kept only four wide receivers on the active roster, and beyond Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, there are real questions.
The team also moved on from Greg Dortch, who looked like the most obvious punt return option.
Kennedy handled 16 kickoffs and three punts last season for the Lions, so he already gives them a known commodity in the return game. His regular-season receiving numbers have been limited, but he has shown in previous preseasons that he can step in and contribute when needed.
Miller is another possibility. The undrafted free agent from North Dakota State flashed during camp and also took on center duties in the preseason finale. He had been limited at center before that game, so Detroit may want to see whether that work can carry over.
The Lions are also dealing with the injury to Cade Mays, and Juice Scruggs appears to be the best immediate answer. Still, Miller could offer useful depth and a better grasp of the offense than some newer options.
Whiteside started camp as strongly as anyone, but he wasn’t able to keep that level going, which is why Detroit left him off the active roster. Even so, the Saginaw Valley State product has some versatility at corner and could help on special teams and defense for Kelvin Sheppard’s group.
He also picked up meaningful experience with Detroit last season while the team was dealing with injuries. If he handles his chances, Whiteside could end up giving the Lions real value behind D.J. Reed and Rock Ya-Sin, whether at boundary corner or even at safety.
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