The Lions are about to trim down to their 53-man roster, and with more depth across the board than they had during last year’s injury-ravaged 2025 season, a few promising names are likely to get squeezed out. That doesn’t have to mean the end of the road. For three players in particular, the most realistic next step may be a spot on Detroit’s practice squad - if they can get through waivers.
One of the most intriguing cases is edge rusher Eric O'Neill. The Rutgers UDFA had some rough moments, but he also flashed real burst off the edge and created pressure during the preseason.
He was especially noticeable in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, when he posted a PFF grade of 89.6. O'Neill is probably behind Ahmed Hassanein and Tyler Lacy in the fight for the final edge rusher spot, but he looks like the kind of developmental piece Detroit would want to keep around if no one else claims him.
Wide receiver Lucky Jackson also made a strong case to stick with the team in some capacity. In Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts, he turned five catches into 94 receiving yards, showing off reliable hands and some value as a special teams option. That kind of outing could make him hard to sneak through waivers, though, especially for a team looking for receiver depth right before the regular season.
The quarterback battle ended with veteran Josh Dobbs looking like the clear winner over Luke Altmyer. Dobbs closed out Week 3 with 128 passing yards and two passing touchdowns, while Altmyer’s first series for Detroit included an interception and no touchdowns.
Altmyer wasn’t a disaster, but Dobbs looked more settled throughout the afternoon. Even so, Altmyer showed enough before Week 3 to remain an appealing practice squad option if he clears waivers, especially after spending part of camp pushing Dobbs harder than expected.
In Other News...
Lions First Roster Cuts Show How Brutal The Final Spots Are
The first round of roster trimming has arrived in Allen Park, and it already shows how little margin there is at the back end of the Lions roster. Veteran linebacker Troy Reeder, a seven-year player who was battling for one of those last spots, was released as Detroit started narrowing the group ahead of final decisions.
Tight end Zach Horton was also waived again after having been let go earlier in training camp, keeping him in limbo as the process moves along. If he clears waivers, a practice-squad return could still be in play, but for now the cuts underscore just how competitive and unforgiving the last spots have become. [Read more 🡒]
Lions QB2 Uncertainty Could Push Brad Holmes Toward One More Move
The Lions still have a little time before the NFL roster cut deadline, and the backup quarterback spot is one area that could prompt Brad Holmes to keep shopping. Detroit already has its starter situation settled, but the depth behind him remains a question the front office appears willing to revisit if the right opportunity surfaces. Holmes has shown a willingness to stay active when theres a chance to strengthen the roster, and this looks like another one of those spots worth monitoring.
Among the names floating around as possible trade targets are J.J. McCarthy, Aidan O'Connell, Anthony Richardson and Spencer Rattler, giving the Lions a range of options to consider depending on cost and fit. No deal has been made, but the fact that Detroit is being linked to multiple quarterbacks suggests the team is at least weighing whether its current backup setup is enough or whether one more move could give it a cleaner answer behind the starter. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Surprise Cut Just Shook Up Two Key Roster Battles
The Lions made one of their more notable roster moves of the preseason by reportedly cutting veteran receiver Greg Dortch, a player who had been viewed as a strong candidate to fill the No. 4 wide receiver spot while also handling punt returns. For a team still sorting out the back end of the receiver room and special teams roles, the move adds a fresh layer of uncertainty to a competition that already had a few veterans fighting for limited openings.
Tom Kennedy now appears to be the front-runner for the punt return job, and the shift may also improve his odds of sticking on the 53-man roster. There is still no confirmation on whether Detroit plans to bring Dortch back, so the situation is not necessarily closed, but the decision has already changed the shape of two roster battles that had been tracking in parallel. [Read more 🡒]