The first moves of roster cut season have arrived in Detroit, and two familiar names are already on the way out.
According to Dave Birkett, the Lions are releasing veteran linebacker Troy Reeder. Nolan Bianchi reported that tight end Zach Horton is being waived. Those decisions mark the start of what should be a busy stretch as Detroit trims down its roster.
Reeder entered camp in a real battle for one of the last linebacker spots. The seven-year veteran brought plenty of special teams value and 38 career starts, which made him a legitimate contender, especially after Damone Clark’s injury sent him to injured reserve.
But Reeder didn’t win out in the competition. The other linebackers still in the mix for those depth roles are Joe Bachie, Amen Ogbongbemiga, Trevor Nowaske, and undrafted rookie Erick Hunter.
Because Reeder is a veteran, he does not have to go through waivers and can sign with any team he chooses, including a return to Detroit’s practice squad if that becomes an option he wants to pursue.
Horton’s move is less surprising. He had already been waived once earlier in training camp, and while he did show some encouraging fullback work in Saturday’s preseason finale, the Lions are moving on for now. Since he is subject to waivers, he could end up back on the practice squad if he clears, just as he did last year after being cut as an undrafted rookie.
His waiving, though, doesn’t really say much about the tight end battle.
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At the plate, Clark has offered a glimpse of the offensive upside that made him such a compelling call-up, batting .250 with home runs and RBIs while still settling in. Hinch believes there is more there if Clark can keep things simpler and let his natural ability play, which fits the broader picture around him: a smart, studious player adjusting in real time, and one who could keep giving this team reasons to believe if the next step comes quickly. [Read more 🡒]